Definition of splendidnext
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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 At Minnesota, Coyle has made splendid choices in Niko Medved and Dawn Plitzuweit as men’s and women’s basketball coaches. Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026 Children—mostly girls—took pictures of the splendid colors of the sky and the shining sea. Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026 Sautéeing is a splendid way to showcase the pure flavor of morels. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2026 The once-splendid Domus Aurea, as the villa was called, had been built on the vast amount of land that Nero claimed for himself after the Great Fire destroyed nearly three quarters of Rome’s districts. Nicole Krauss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • As Travis Kelce winds down his magnificent career, look for the Chiefs to select a potential successor who can put up numbers.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
  • At times this all reminded me a bit of Elia Kazan’s magnificent memoir of a young Greek coming to a new life in America America and at other times of Spike Lee’s vividly filmed Do the Right Thing in a different NYC neighborhood.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Even a spontaneous side order of roasted carrots with pomegranate yogurt is haunting me, in a wonderful way.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Jim has a wonderful history with Cannes.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • So why would the animal possess the same type of melanosomes that give birds their dazzling displays?
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
  • People find so much beauty in nature, from the dazzling colors of butterflies to the melodious songs of birds and the aromas of flowers.
    Logan S. James, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Anjimile has never been in better voice, his breezy vibrato falling in the glorious shade between Sufjan Stevens and Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser.
    Ben Cardew, Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026
  • And the greatest expression of care comes at the very last moment, in a final, glorious moment of surreal grace at the end of the novel.
    Isle McElroy, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Horned Frogs had a mix of air raid and veer-and-shoot principles under Briles, but are expected to move more to a pro-style scheme under Sammis, who had excellent success with that style of offense at UConn.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026
  • In the pre-show rooms, both real-life actors seen were excellent at interacting with real-life visitors and prerecorded monotone movie stars.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Twentieth century painter Agnes Pelton created luminous abstractions in nearby Cathedral City, while assemblage artist Noah Purifoy spent the final decade of his life building the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum of Assemblage Art in Joshua Tree.
    Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Indeed, the LRDs are cooler and more luminous than our current SMS models predict.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The hunch was right, as the Gophers relished the roar of their fans at The Barn all the way through Amaya Battle's epic game-winner.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • London’s Chessington World of Adventures will soon host the first Minecraft World theme park, opening in 2027, featuring the first ever Minecraft coaster, epic block built playscapes and themed retail and dining experiences.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Execution of Operation Epic Fury has been nothing less than superb.
    , FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
  • With four more wins, a superb player will morph into Arizona royalty and 25 years of frustration will melt away.
    Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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