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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 Leaf-peeping draws travelers to woodlands across New England, but autumn gets equally splendid out west—especially in Grand Teton, my favorite national park to visit in the fall. Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 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 On top of his splendid on-court fit alongside the Big Three, Jones is cost-controlled through at least 2029. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • And rather than find a convenient piece of music and just slap it onto his choreography, Webre sought to recreate the edgy music of the Roaring '20s, that magnificent economic bubble that framed Fitzgerald’s tale about the rise and fall of the American Dream.
    David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The thrust through $60 was magnificent given the fact that this resistance level has been in place since last November.
    Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Advertisement Blue Moon is both a modest movie and a dazzling, generous work.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This image captures the Rubin Observatory beneath a dazzling sweep of the southern Milky Way galaxy, with the Large Magellanic Cloud glowing softly to the left.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the Greek historian Herodotus, who composed his glorious amalgamation of legend and fact in the fourth-century BC, Helen never even reached Troy because Paris’s ship was blown off course.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Bearzot was a more attack-minded coach than many of his predecessors, favouring a front three and a glorious playmaker in Fiorentina’s Giancarlo Antognoni, who recovered from a fractured skull to be fit for the tournament.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Stays can include Day of the Dead workshops, such as Catrina face painting; a special menu on November 1, 2025; and a luminous procession through the mangroves.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The formula works not just to lighten discoloration, but also to visibly shrink and smooth the look of spots for a more even, luminous complexion overall.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is how Bertolt Brecht defined the aim of epic theater.
    Susan Sontag, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Four straight losses, an SEC losing streak that has now reached 16 games, and Saturday’s epic collapse.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Hollywood’s move in that DEI/Woke direction birthed a bumper crop of writers, filmmakers and actors of all colors, and some terrific films and TV shows.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Thomas Incoom is a terrific special teams player, but he could be upgraded on defense.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

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