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 Meaning that even with the curious and disorienting turn of the signage, Arrowhead still figures to be resplendent in the worldwide spotlight. Kansas City Star, 12 May 2026 Meanwhile, Brighton’s graphic is resplendent with greener, thicker lines. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026 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 Hadid shared a few behind-the-scenes snippets from a recent Miss Sixty campaign photoshoot in what appears to be a gorgeous seaside home or hotel, resplendent with ornate antique furniture. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • Scenic drives along Independence Pass and Castle Creek Road, hikes through the Maroon Bells, and crisp mountain air make fall one of the most spectacular times to experience this magnificent Rocky Mountain oasis.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026
  • Fortunately, film is a visual medium and Sienkiewicz’s magnificent artwork provides top shelf eye candy as the shifting cast of actors, directors, art collectors and artists extol his work.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Homer may have viewed Odysseus’s deceit and pillaging as glorious.
    Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
  • Even the most terrible of terrible-sounding numbers shouldn’t take your eyes off the glorious, gauzy horizon this great salesman’s so skilled at painting.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Characters like his kindly uncle, Ser Gwayne (Freddie Fox), and his beautiful dragon, Tessarion, see the real Daeron.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Appellation Lodi Julie Scopazzi, former marketing manager at Testarossa in Los Gatos, had been telling me about the beautiful transformation of Appellation Lodi, with its gorgeous territorial architecture and colorful gardens.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • The animation styles, varying from episode to episode, are all dynamic and gorgeous, paying homage to both a classic anime style and Star Wars‘ own more wry feeling.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026
  • Appellation Lodi Julie Scopazzi, former marketing manager at Testarossa in Los Gatos, had been telling me about the beautiful transformation of Appellation Lodi, with its gorgeous territorial architecture and colorful gardens.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Barbie’s hair choices, too, are ever so composed and elegant.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2026
  • All drinks are presented with an elegant touch that makes the experience feel special every time.
    USA TODAY NETWORK, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • The original room also has mannequins showing off fashion-forward outfits from the winners of the Liberty Fabrics x Graduate Fashion Foundation Competition, with lots of lovely clashing patterns and textures.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
  • While this verdant island makes a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic on a sunny day, art lovers have two additional reasons to make the trip.
    Carolyn Heller, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • In a stunning turn, a Sacramento Superior Court judge declared a mistrial Tuesday in the K Street mass shooting murder trial of surviving suspects Dandrae Martin and Mtula Payton after jurors failed to reach verdicts on the remaining charges.
    Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2026
  • The Valkyries couldn’t buy a bucket from that point and Washington hit enough free throws to seal a stunning win on the road.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Making his solo debut at age 72, the KLF collaborator and longtime Triffids member offers an exquisite picture of the pedal steel’s emotional ambiguity.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Eckhardt continues skating in exquisite, small loops, showing her exhaustion at times, through the curtain call.
    Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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