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 Stylistically, the album feels of a piece with the work of post-Earl MCs like MIKE or Navy Blue, delivering meditations over electro-funk loops resplendent with squelching synths, twinkling keys, and Jimmy Jam drums. Liam Inscoe-Jones, Pitchfork, 5 Mar. 2026 The expansive lobby impresses with a resplendent illuminated glass sculpture, a coffee bar, a lobby bar, and an on-site restaurant, Cavalier. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026 Know More Initially founded in 2012 with a $5 million dollar grant from the John Templeton Foundation, Nautilus incinerated cash, sparing no expense in its pursuit of bringing resplendent literary science to the reading public. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026 Then they were gone, swallowed up by the trees’ resplendent emerald green. Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • And while several must-see redwood groves dot Northern California, in my opinion, driving the Avenue of the Giants is the easiest way to get up close and personal with these magnificent trees.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And Fitzgerald, coming off a magnificent six-interception freshman season, can play nickel skillfully if needed.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests can also socialize around the outdoor pool and pool bar, another glorious sunset viewing location.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
  • But the sandweeshes begin with a golden and glorious taboon bread — or rather Abdullah’s fantastic interpretation, which is similar to focaccia.
    Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lindsay Lohan has a beautiful bouquet of flowers in hand on set for Count My Lies in New York City on April 20.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Fall is cooler and quieter, and while the sequoias stay green year-round, other trees—like maples, dogwoods, and black oaks—start to transition into beautiful autumnal colors, especially in October.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The happy news is that young people are filling the pews in our gorgeous churches.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Case in point, the dramatic lobby installations from star florist and designer Jeff Leatham, which might include gorgeous, tumbling floral displays in the spring, or a giant plexiglass reindeer in the winter.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This elegant opera house hosts numerous events, mostly opera and ballet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The smooth, fluid drape reads elegant, and the fabric has a soft silk sheen that holds up beautifully in a suitcase.
    Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Thanks to that lovely wide field of view, Roman will be able to rapidly image tons of galaxies to generate detailed, 3D vistas of the cosmos.
    Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • This lovely semi-evergreen groundcover (Pachysandra procumbens) is ideal for shaded woodlands.
    Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Lightning, a running robot developed by Chinese smartphone maker Honor, finished the 21-kilometer run in Beijing in a stunning 50 minutes and 26 seconds, beating the human world record by more than six minutes.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Families can build sand castles, fly kites, or climb to the top of the dunes for a stunning sunset show, while thrill-seekers can go sand-boarding or hang gliding (permits from and/or registration with the park office are required).
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Dining here feels Michelin star in every aspect, from the exquisite setting, polished service, and superb cuisine showcasing luxury ingredients in sophisticated, labor-intensive preparations.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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