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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 Jet skis are a splendid invention, for mega-yachtsmen, surfers and surf competitions, and security forces alike. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Pelinka also engineered the splendid undrafted free agent signing that was Austin Reaves, which led to the Lakers finishing this season as the third seed in the West. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 Mamdani proposes to pay for these splendid gifts to the city’s voters by raising taxes even further on the city’s top income earners, in the cynical belief that those who make up his tax base are stuck there, cannot flee, and are thus cows to be helplessly milked. The Editors, National Review, 25 June 2025 Private schools will enter the vacuum, providing splendid settings. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • Scottie Scheffler romped to a magnificent four-shot victory to seal his first British Open title at Royal Portrush on Sunday, notching his fourth major success.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
  • The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Decades later, in 2019, Irishman Shane Lowry—buoyed by a dazzling third-round 63—won his first major in runaway fashion on these same dunes, igniting a raucous celebration across the island.
    Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • With high level visuals being a key characteristics of both Insomniac and Tomorrowland events, the production for UNITY is highly anticipated and expected to be similarly dazzling.
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • But fall offers another harvest season — a glorious harvest season.
    Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025
  • There are few things as glorious as a perfect summer night spent at a music festival, listening to your favorite artists as the sun sets at golden hour.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Made with soothing, hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, the sunscreen lotion has a luminous finish that gives the skin a summery, just-back-from-Bondi-beach glow.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 21 July 2025
  • Arizona's Emerald Cave, also known as Emerald Cove, shimmers with luminous green light.
    Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Scene Breakdown: Embrace AI Convention - From a dance battle to a blood fest, this breakdown will show how each department worked together to create this epic and deadly sequence.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley were locked into an epic battle for the Women’s World Championship.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cody Bellinger, a terrific defender, couldn’t find an Ernie Clement flyball in the lights in the sixth inning, which officially resulted in a one-out triple.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
  • This generates terrific tidal forces within the star that simultaneously squash it horizontally while stretching it vertically.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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