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 splendid Nezu Museum houses a collection of Asian art and antiquities ranging from paintings to samurai swords, with a traditional tea room and beautiful grounds to explore, too. Stephen Kelly, TheWeek, 26 Mar. 2026 Round the corner and next door to a harness maker’s workshop was that splendid old Dublin institution Mulligan’s. Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • The cooking process is simple, and the results are magnificent.
    Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Its colors are most magnificent at sunset.
    Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Justin’s milkbread bun (for which Jennifer made the dough) was wonderful, but the pork in his sandwich was underseasoned, and there wasn’t enough of it.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The format has an all-powerful ‘Taskmaster’ who, with the help of a loyal assistant, tests the wiles of a panel of comedians over the course of each series by setting them weird and wonderful challenges.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His skating was dazzling throughout the evening, and his chemistry with Rickard Rakell is clear.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • There's a dazzling cigar lounge and bar, both conceived by none other than hotel designer of the moment, Martin Brudnizki (of Annabel’s; Fouquets; and Fifth Avenue Hotel fame); a sleek omakase restaurant; and even a 4,000-year-old fossil parked unassumingly outside a set of toilets (not kidding).
    Divia Thani, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • On Monday morning, the NHL headlines were dominated by a goalie from the Kings’ glorious past and another from their cautiously promising immediate future.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The performance felt like a glorious end to her wildly successful London run as the room filled with a standing ovation.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Alliums are excellent neighbors to beets, brassicas, tomatoes, and more.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026
  • This bracelet makes an excellent Mother’s Day jewelry gift.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In wet winters, the valleys beyond town awaken in color as sand verbena, desert sunflower, evening primrose and pincushion gather in brief, luminous blooms across the desert floor.
    Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • This velvety take on the trend has a luminous, eye-catching finish that shines bright on its own.
    Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Lincoln controls the whole tempo, the complete vibe of the affair with her epic vocals, effortless charm, and wonderful instincts.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Visitors can enjoy heart-pounding adventures like zip lining through the forest canopy, rock climbing on the gorge’s steep cliffs, and whitewater rafting on the New River’s epic Class I to V rapids.
    Jordan Charbonneau, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After starting the season very slowly, Alvarez hit a superb hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano in September.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • And the composer’s friend and champion Susanna Mälkki conducts a superb cast and nimble orchestra, making all the complexity crystalline.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

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