resplendent

Definition of resplendentnext

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 Healey, wearing her crisp white Red Sox uniform and Wu dressed in resplendent red with her Red Sox hat, looked somewhat stunned at the reaction but did not flee. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 7 Apr. 2026 The pitch came just with this resplendent banquet of dishes. David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 Its signature Harmonie rocks glasses are resplendent in shades of pink, yellow, blue, and turquoise, each catching and playing with light in their own way. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026 Deep meadows lush with vibrant prairie bluebells, gushing water, and resplendent valleys snuggled between giant, slate grey walls top off this classic adventure. Madison Chapman, Outside, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • The hotel houses a magnificent collection of 20th-century prints and drawings which hang throughout the bedrooms and public spaces; spot the Picasso and the Cocteaus in the Picteau Lounge Bar.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The Italian Lounge, for example, has a magnificent blue-and-gold ceiling imported from the Grimation Palace in Florence in the late 19th century.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • But the nation honored by the glorious moment still retains the power of recovery and renewal praised by Douglass.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
  • Some of you aren’t ready for this conversation, but McCartney’s past two decades have been the most glorious creative roll of his post-Beatles life.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are beautiful walks and cycle rides and pretty Champenois villages in every direction, including Hautvillers, with the little church where Dom Pérignon is buried.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • The playoff leader in goals, Howden had a beautiful tip on a shot by Theodore for his 11th of the playoffs and perhaps his most important in Game 1.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Carmen Electra wears a gorgeous sheer black dress to the premiere of Scary Movie 6 on June 3 in Los Angeles.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • Tomatoes from Plant City are gorgeous, deep and dark.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2026
Adjective
  • Given its elegant design and everyday practicality, this breezy dress can go just about anywhere.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
  • Its beautiful white flowers make for an elegant addition to any yard.
    Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Staff are uniformly lovely and helpful.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • Any guy currently punching well above his weight class with a lovely girlfriend knows that truth intuitively.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The bathroom was stunning—all white and glass—and as high tech as the bedroom, with a state-of-the-art toilet and electronic bidet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Since then, Irby has continued to spotlight some of the sport’s most stunning plays and impressive stars, including former Arkansas slugger and current AUSL player Bri Ellis, while also engaging with players from stalwart programs in the comments.
    Molly Keshin, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Passalacqua is almost too exquisite not to be able to be present for every moment of it.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The hotel has a sister property, Miramare Suites, on Sestri’s other bay, Baia della Favole, with a popular restaurant, La Locanda Carmagnini, to complement the Miramare’s Baia del Silenzio, known for its seafood and exquisite on-the-water location.
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on resplendent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster