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 After a glorious July 4 weekend with typical temperatures and sunny skies, we are set to roll into our first full week of July with much of the same splendid outdoors weather. Sean MacAday 6, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 Addison and Hallock detail 17 splendid Tokyo dining suggestions. Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026 The British royals had a splendid time holidaying with Spain's royal family at the Marivent Palace in August 1987. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026 In 2014, Messi began with that famously outrageous winner against Bosnia, arguably bettered it against Iran a few days later, with a splendid winner in stoppage time. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Pico Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers centre-half recruited on LinkedIn, at the heart of Cape Verde’s defence was magnificent.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • And this World Cup was about Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and all of Spain’s wonderful passers.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • To be in, like, the very first episode to the last, a show that is now being spun off to other stories, that is so wonderful.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Homeric text is full of transformations, shape-shifting and super-speed, alongside meticulous labor and elaborate rites; the movie is neither dazzling nor precise.
    Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • However the winding structure lends itself to their best impulses, following hip-hop production and sampling down the memory holes of the group’s creative minds, helping II find enough dazzling moments to help all the chaos settle into place.
    Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The roofline leaves enough headroom for actual adults, the cargo area is genuinely useful, and visibility remains excellent.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 July 2026
  • City Colleges of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago State University and National Louis University, among others, have built their reputations on the premise that everyone deserves access to an excellent education.
    Andrea Sáenz, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • The capri-adjacent shorts were cut in midweight washed viscose with a textured handfeel and luminous sheen, and are finished with side cargo pockets and dual back pockets.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 20 July 2026
  • So although there are fewer meteors an hour during this shower, the luminous nature of the ones that do fall makes up for it.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Greeks will tell you that Homer’s epic tale with its themes of hospitality, loyalty, feasting, and homecoming is still a true reflection of Greek culture today.
    Heidi Fuller-love, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
  • Idda takes an epic approach to unearthing the packed layers of a stewing friendship.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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