glorious

adjective

ˈglȯr-ē-əs How to pronounce glorious (audio)
Definition of gloriousnext
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception the advent of the printing press in the West ushered in a glorious new era of learning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As always, the gala remained one of the preeminent Hollywood people-watching spots of the season, upholding its tradition as a glorious hodgepodge of stars from across film, TV, music and sports. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Feb. 2026 The glorious air con was a relief after long days exploring. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026 The top of the holder is shaped like a glorious orange spring tulip, representing the crown of flowers a Swedish bride would wear. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026 With Zohran [Mamdani] getting elected as mayor—what a glorious, wonderful New York moment. —Jonathan Borge, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
  1. magnificent
  2. epic
  3. majestic
  4. imposing
  5. proud
  6. massive
Adjective
  • Trump is in a position to add something magnificent to his legacy.
    — Robert Yaro, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • For some, romance means rose petals, chilled champagne and magnificent views.
    — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • Passion leads to tragedy in this epic tale ofdesire, scandal, and power.
    — Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The world of fragrance has made a comeback of epic proportions in the past few years, with people shopping for their own signature scents with the help of social media experts and trying out new perfumes like never before.
    — Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • Her mochi skins are bouncy and soft, with a chewy texture so majestic that the stretchability rivals the most dramatic of cheese pulls.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The spa offerings aren’t extensive, but the indoor/outdoor massage cabanas are wonderful and face the majestic mountains at the back of the resort.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • The team had already excavated the other three corners of a narrow tomb occupied by an imposing, unnamed sarcophagus.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
  • The most imposing building on Main Street is a gun shop called Chandler’s Firearms Estates, on the corner of East Church Street.
    — Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • Playing in this year's Super Bowl was Rockwall legend Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the Rockwall community couldn't be prouder of him, holding a watch party in his honor.
    — Briseida Holguin, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The Patriots’ defense, however, should stand proud after Sunday’s contest.
    — Doug Kyed, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Wednesday’s strike against Ukraine comes a day after Russia launched a massive attack, deploying 470 drones in various cities and regions across the Eastern European country.
    — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 12 Feb. 2026
  • The least massive stars take an enormous amount of time to burn through their fuel, living as red dwarfs and dying as white dwarfs, before fading away to black after roughly a quadrillion years pass.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of massive

Browse Nearby Words

glorifying
glorious
gloriously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on glorious

Nglish: Translation of glorious for Spanish Speakers

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