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 The last goaltender in Edmonton to deliver two solid years in a row was Cam Talbot, who was splendid in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 24 July 2026 The message to spend as much time as possible horizontal is a splendid idea. Jonathan Samuels, TheWeek, 17 July 2026 No worries, because Matt Damon does a splendid job putting his stamp on a legendary character. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning fill out a splendid ensemble. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • Our stay was an attempt to escape the responsibilities and obligations that come with everyday life for a weekend, and this was a magnificent place to do that.
    Felicia Brower, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But there is something magnificent about seeing a small island elevate and celebrate its own musical vibes.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Not just his dazzling skill and intentionality on the ball, but off of it, too, in a pressing, high-energy team.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Perseid meteor shower peaked last night in spectacular fashion, dazzling stargazers as countless shooting stars blazed overhead mere hours after a total solar eclipse saw the lunar disk hide the sun over Greenland, Iceland and Spain.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For me, the highlight of last week’s season premiere was not the wildly overblown fight between Shannon Beador and Tamra Judge, but all the glorious flashbacks to a time when RHOC wasn’t borderline unwatchable.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Players compete to build massive engines of profit and production to transform Mars into a livable habitat, all in the glorious name of cutthroat capitalism.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This gorgeous night dress will keep you cool in the summer, and features a romantic lace trim, round neckline, and luminous shell buttons.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This stellar companion is apparently a luminous star that has three times the mass of the sun but is so close to the far brighter supergiant that its light had been hidden in the glare all this time.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This allowed the crew to execute an epic conclusion to the series’ decade-long run that saw the beloved Hawkins gang unite for a final showdown to take down Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Blending breathtaking spectacle and romance, this is an epic story of resilience and transcendence.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Segovia produced a superb spin before firing into the far corner.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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