resplendent

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective resplendent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resplendent are glorious, gorgeous, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When might glorious be a better fit than resplendent?

Although the words glorious and resplendent have much in common, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When can gorgeous be used instead of resplendent?

The words gorgeous and resplendent can be used in similar contexts, but gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is splendid a more appropriate choice than resplendent?

The synonyms splendid and resplendent are sometimes interchangeable, but splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When would sublime be a good substitute for resplendent?

In some situations, the words sublime and resplendent are roughly equivalent. However, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When could superb be used to replace resplendent?

While in some cases nearly identical to resplendent, superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of resplendent Frederick Ashton’s for the Sadler’s Wells Ballet (the forerunner of the Royal Ballet) in 1952, with a resplendent Margot Fonteyn in the title role, put the ballet back into the mainstream repertory, though it wasn’t performed by the Royal from the mid-1960s to 2004. Roslyn Sulcas, New York Times, 30 May 2025 Tucked among the winding roads and resplendent trees of this tony enclave is a property that feels like pulling into a majestic boutique hotel. Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025 For a different kind of aesthetic education, the Nezu Museum’s collection of Japanese and East Asian art is rivaled only by its resplendent gardens. John Wogan, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Come for the lingering glamour shots of Keene and Hyland, resplendent in their 1930s finery, stay for the hypnotic overhead shots of the rocky coast off Gull’s Point. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • There's nothing quite like basking in the sun on a glorious, care-free vacation day.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025
  • Find a theater near you and soak in that glorious AC while catching a flick or two to beat the heat.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Until then, the MIT Museum will remain a beautiful shell with very little inside.
    Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • In Brooklyn, there was a full house at the beautiful opera-house-like Roulette space.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • These boots Adelheid is lacing are sort of…gorgeous?
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 23 June 2025
  • Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is like a symphony — a gorgeous classical concerto where an electric guitar occasionally cuts in to shred an off-putting, yet surprisingly sick riff.
    Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Grace Karin Floral Maxi Sundress, $48 with Prime $60 $48 at Amazon This floral maxi sundress creates an elegant A-line silhouette that shoppers say looks beautiful on a wide range of figures and heights.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Refined, elegant food, intelligent service, and a warm living-room-like ambiance make this one of Rome’s top upscale restaurants.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • The crook of land that frames Lewes to the east, Cape Henlopen, was first spotted by European eyes in 1609 by English explorer Henry Hudson and is now a lovely state park.
    Tim Neville, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
  • From its unique patterns, eye-catching color combinations and lovely add-ons (mirror work, beads and tassles), the textile enthusiast felt a strong connection to the craft of ralli.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • This corner of the hotel transported me to an exquisite European hotel; the display bottles were Chinotto, Bitter Bianco, Sicilian Amara, and other spirits.
    Marcia DeSanctis, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025
  • Chalfant illustrates this in the film with exquisite subtlety, assuming by turns the disposition of a coy flirt and a take-charge kitchen taskmaster.
    Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • This stunning property comprises 83 private villas sprawled across 17 acres of lush, tropical grounds.
    Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The stunning coupe is one of just 25 examples that were reimagined by the supercar maker last decade.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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