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 What a splendid way to spend an evening at an awards ceremony that made up its own rules. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026 The design here avoids ski-lodge clichés but maintains splendid common areas, including a cozy library and a grand lobby decorated with stone and wood finishes and splashes of rich red and orange hues. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026 For the Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday, March 17, the Euphoria star chose a splendid white Vivienne Westwood gown worn with Chopard jewelry and ivory pumps. Valentine Ulgu-Servant, Vanity Fair, 19 Mar. 2026 The creature was a splendid swimmer. Literary Hub, 16 Mar. 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
  • Early’s dazzling season debut was nearly pristine.
    Gabrielle Starr, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Yaxel Lendeborg had 23 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in a dazzling all-around performance, and Michigan beat Alabama 90-77 on Friday night to advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 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
  • An intrepid British explorer, Peter MacNab, led the first team through this epic underworld of caverns the height of skyscrapers.
    Nicole Young, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Written by Italian playwright Stefano Massini as an epic poem and adapted for the stage by Ben Power, the play’s language is lyrical and gorgeously descriptive.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Looking at art is just as valid right now, so anything from visiting a sculpture gallery to watching a passion-project film would be a superb way to spend today.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026
  • So a first question, after this signature collaboration between Rodríguez, Cobos and Corral, is how many others in Spain’s superb youngish cadre of film and TV creators – Sorogoyen, Ruiz de Azúa, the Javis and Laxe, to name just a few – may end up working with Corral.
    John Hopewell, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

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