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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 The main attraction in this riff on the Snow White legend is director Tarsem Singh’s splendid knack for surreal, eye-popping imagery; every frame of this fantasy adventure is stunning. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025 The discovery highlights a splendid location on Earth and, therefore, the importance of protecting the world’s wonders, brimming with natural history and insights into addressing climate change today. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2025 This would be a splendid outcome, but not necessarily the likeliest one. Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • The Windtraders are a flying tribe with magnificent crafts to soar above Pandora.
    Fred Topel, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
  • His garden was truly magnificent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Christos honored their promise by gifting me with a wonderful collage in addition to my one-dollar paycheck.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • That scene was so incredibly awkward… and wonderful.
    Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Just as Victor appeared to break open, Jackson leaped into the air, stretched his right arm skyward and pulled down a dazzling one-handed catch at the 3-yard line.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • No longer limited to skulking around on a bar cart, metallic finishes like aluminum and brass are in the midst of a dazzling comeback.
    Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Also, Star soccer correspondent Daniel Sperry breaks down the crushing conclusion to the Kansas City Current’s playoff run, a loss to Gotham FC in the NWSL quarterfinal round, and offers a final analysis of a team that couldn’t build on its glorious regular season.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 2025
  • Seventeen-year-old Nell, whose father is filmmaker Tim Burton, wears the glorious piece in the campaign.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Thus far, Arsenal’s excellent form has relegated the injuries to a subplot.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The carbon nanofiber provides mechanical stability, abundant pore channels, and excellent electrolyte wettability, while the cobalt sites catalyze the adsorption and conversion of polysulfides.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • With its luminous foliage, 'Lemon-Lime' Nandina makes a striking accent in shady plantings.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The luminous roll call has Henry Cavill leading a cast that already includes Russell Crowe, Marisa Abela, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Jeremy Irons and Djimon Hounsou, as well as Max Zhang and Drew McIntyre.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The show has featured epic decades-long love stories, like Doug Williams and Julie Olson's.
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But instead of an epic franchise, the two are a couple in Lynne Ramsay’s suffocating drama about a woman dealing with postpartum depression and isolation amid a move from New York to Montana.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Book a room at The Little Nell for a distinguished wine program, a superb après scene, and some of the best service in the nation, or see why the equally stately and welcoming Hotel Jerome has dazzled slope-side visitors for 130 years.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025
  • His studio version slightly speeds up the tempo, which does seem to moderately soften some of the song’s melancholy, but Johnson’s superb vocal brings just the right mix of grit and tenderness to convey the song’s heartbreaking, bittersweet nature.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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