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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective splendid contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of splendid are glorious, gorgeous, resplendent, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When can glorious be used instead of splendid?

The synonyms glorious and splendid are sometimes interchangeable, but glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

Where would gorgeous be a reasonable alternative to splendid?

The meanings of gorgeous and splendid largely overlap; however, gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

In what contexts can resplendent take the place of splendid?

The words resplendent and splendid can be used in similar contexts, but resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When would sublime be a good substitute for splendid?

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

a vision of sublime beauty

When is superb a more appropriate choice than splendid?

The words superb and splendid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 splendid But that did not stop me from deciding to carry my work up to New York on the train in this splendid vessel. Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 On top of his splendid on-court fit alongside the Big Three, Jones is cost-controlled through at least 2029. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 With that already as a given for many of us, Neville’s movie serves as a splendid jukebox, offering rapid-fire clips that bowl you over anew with just how rapidly McCartney’s own synapses were firing on ingenious hit after hit. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 This fiery, splendid collection of songs should make listeners want to step up their efforts. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • All of them have been magnificent.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Oh, and the triumphant return of Jake's magnificent Toruk beast, too.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Bader was excellent early Saturday, notching a sacrifice fly to drive in Realmuto and hustling to right-center for a diving catch in the fifth.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Both are excellent places for birding, boating, fishing, hiking, and finding a little peace and quiet.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Afterwards, walk through the dazzling Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, pausing to admire the glass dome and beautiful mosaic floors (but beware of pickpockets).
    Laura Itzkowitz, AFAR Media, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Every ounce of it was on display when Mitchell initially made that dazzling catch against the Rams.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Marigolds are one of fall's most glorious (and underrated) flowers.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In the early nineties, the halcyon days of mountain biking, a cadre of American cyclists competed all over the world on these glorious if archaic machines.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Skor bars are a nonnegotiable addition; the cookies have the perfect toffee-to-chocolate ratio and wonderful texture.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Today’s tech news follows; have a wonderful weekend.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Two meteor showers and a luminous supermoon will light up the California night sky in October.
    Mike Haskey, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The comet's nucleus will be shrouded in a luminous halo of gas and dust, with a long tail streaming out behind.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But when the cameras stop rolling, the set turns into an epic dance party.
    Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Liz and Dick fell in love on the set of Cleopatra, the ridiculously expensive and lavish epic love story of the ancient Egyptian queen and the Roman general Mark Antony.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dak Prescott was terrific all day, throwing for 237 yards and four touchdowns.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Given Emeka Egbuka’s terrific rookie season, Godwin could easily be the odd man out, similar to Tyler Boyd the year the Bengals drafted Ja’Marr Chase.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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