Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective glorious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of glorious are gorgeous, resplendent, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When could gorgeous be used to replace glorious?

The words gorgeous and glorious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is it sensible to use resplendent instead of glorious?

The synonyms resplendent and glorious are sometimes interchangeable, but resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

Where would splendid be a reasonable alternative to glorious?

While in some cases nearly identical to glorious, splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When might sublime be a better fit than glorious?

The meanings of sublime and glorious largely overlap; however, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When would superb be a good substitute for glorious?

While the synonyms superb and glorious are close in meaning, 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 glorious Its surroundings are glorious, with mountains all around; to the north is the Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany, which straddles the border with Austria. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025 This extraordinary group rallied together for a single glorious vision: to win four straight playoff games against the finest teams in college football. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025 To Step Down As Managing Director Of Singapore’s Hotel Properties The quarter-final marathon against Arthur Fils was the best of the bunch, a captivating young twentysomething match-up of warrior spirits that was reminiscent of Alcaraz’s defeat by Musetti back in that glorious encounter in Germany. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 The next morning, Easter Sunday, brought glorious weather. Kristina Goetz, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • Their odd-couple pairing became a magnificent slow burn of hatred into grudging respect into genuine affection, making for a tantalizing will-they-won't-they.
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These are magnificent achievements that propel Hellebuyck beyond back-to-back Vezina Trophy consideration and into Hart territory while proving that Connor and Scheifele can score while playing better defence than earlier in their careers.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Rather than the epic battles of good vs. evil that ground the Skywalker saga, Andor's focus is the human cost of rebellion and harsh realities of a prolonged uprising against an authoritarian regime.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Argonautica, an epic poem written by Apollonius of Rhodes in the third century B.C.E., chronicles the adventures of Jason and the Argonauts, including their encounter with Talos.
    Sofia Giannuzzi, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fed from glaciers on Mount Shasta’s majestic slopes, Mossbrae Falls cascades out of lava tubes and down mossy cliffs into the Sacramento River in ethereal curtains of mist, sending rainbows dancing in all directions.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Mu Cang Chai's overlapping high and low terraced fields in Yen Bai province, Vietnam, create a majestic yet romantic landscape, breathtakingly beautiful especially during the yellow rice season.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Christine Brown's 6 Children: All About Her Son and Daughters with Sister Wives Costar and Ex Kody Brown In December 2022, Christine shared a proud mom moment with her followers on Instagram, explaining how Truely stood up to a bully at school who was bothering her friend.
    Karli Bendlin, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In Season 1, Cassian was part of a massive prison break and an insurrection against Imperial forces in his home of Ferrix.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • This year, the Compton Cowboys are headed to Stagecoach, the massive country music festival in Indio.
    Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation With Cena announcing his impending retirement from in-ring competition in December 2025, this year's WrestleMania carries significant weight, potentially marking his final appearance on the grandest stage of them all.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • And in the grand equation of finance, the most valuable assets may not be on the balance sheet at all, but in the minds of the people who lead it.
    Pankaj Vasani, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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