1
2
3

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 Nembhard is also a splendid point-of-attack defender (95th percentile Defensive Estimated Plus-Minus, per Dunks & Threes), but he isn’t suited for handling stronger assignments. Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 Archaeologists realized that the 1,400-year-old crown was the most splendid crown ever found in the Gyeongju area. Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025 In Paris, the animation becomes truly splendid under this connoisseur extraordinaire of a director. Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 20 May 2025 The splendid design was a bit of a departure from the many fanciful gowns that are typically taken for a spin in Cannes during this time of year. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • And excellent retail in turn should entice people to choose one store over another and visit often.
    Phil Wahba, Fortune, 17 June 2025
  • But that year does look a little anomalous on his career ledger, with more of an 80-point baseline (which, of course, is still excellent).
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This bona fide natural wonder supports a dazzling array of wildlife, including nearly 500 bird species and north of 130,000 elephants, the largest population of any country in Africa.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
  • Thanks to the intricate texture of the lens, the lights provide a warm, starburst-like pattern that illuminates the surrounding area and looks dazzling to the eye.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tanja Caldwell designed the wonderful costumes for Mara Block Ali’s Netflix series, Forever.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • Though not a traditional kids’ movie by any stretch, there’s still a lot of wonderful Dignan-esque scheming involved in Mr. Fox (George Clooney) stealing from the adjoining farms of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, and the film has the warmth of an old Rankin-Bass production.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • In each, Agrippina is dead, luminous, in opulent jewelry or surrounded by fine furs and cloths.
    Diana Arterian June 16, Literary Hub, 16 June 2025
  • Not just the owner of some of the best eyebrows of the moment, the ‘Levitating’ singer has the kind of clear, luminous skin that most of us can only dream of.
    Georgia Day, Vogue, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Harrison defeated Julianna Peña on Saturday night at UFC 316 via submission to win the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship, potentially setting herself up for an epic fight against Amanda Nunes.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
  • The audience at a packed Salle Pierre Lamy were shown three clips featuring the first appearance of protagonist Sam Fisher, voiced by Liev Schreiber, an epic fight scene and a car chase.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Esquivel didn’t allow an earned run in a terrific game-one performance against Lovejoy.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025
  • With no wind or other elements for the players to confront, both produced some terrific tennis for stretches.
    Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on splendid

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!