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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 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 With that already as a given for many of us, Neville’s movie serves as a splendid jukebox, offering rapid-fire clips that bowl you over anew with just how rapidly McCartney’s own synapses were firing on ingenious hit after hit. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 This fiery, splendid collection of songs should make listeners want to step up their efforts. Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025 Freeland was splendid, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings and giving up just five hits. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
Adjective
  • Cutting the magnificent Bentley Flying Spur W12 from the brand’s line-up was done to meet emissions standards, and before the hybrid V8 arrived, like the one tested here, the world received a V6 plug-in.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • This Idaho estate is the magnificent 708.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Shaw and Harry Maguire were excellent.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • And this does bode well for interior roominess, which is quite accommodating up front for a variety of heights and body types—plus tremendously comfortable standard sport bucket seats with excellent bolstering.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These autumn hues make the already dramatic Wyoming destination even more dazzling.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Elaborate dinner shows deliver dazzling performances alongside multi-course meals.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Angela Flournoy follows her highly honored first novel, The Turner House (2016), with an illuminating polyphonic exploration of the glorious heights and darkest lows of friendships among four women.
    Jane Ciabattari September 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Liverpool vs Real Madrid, November 4 From Kevin De Bruyne’s glorious homecoming, to one that could be a more awkward affair as Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool just months after leaving his boyhood club for Real Madrid.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The film, which largely unfolds on Christmas Eve, has a wonderful sense of the dying light of a late December day, the transition from a shade of damp gray to the inky black of night, and, even better, an actual sense of a particular American place.
    Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • This all sounds wonderful, but for me, oil control surpasses everything.
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The activity, visible across several provinces, was captured in photographs and videos posted on social media showing luminous trails arcing across the night sky.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Baker’s synaesthesiac grasp of the tawny’s song, in which its voice can ruffle the fur of night and in which silence is luminous, may be reflected in the neural structure of the owl’s brain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Clark, who knelt beside Foo 30 years ago when the surfer was pulled lifeless from the sea, watched Slebir’s epic ride that day from the back of a Sea-Doo, set up to pull flailing surfers aboard.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • American growth and opportunity in times like 1836-61 and 1865-1913—and even, sure enough, 1811-12—was epic.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As always, the iPhone takes terrific photos.
    Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Now the Phils are desperate to keep the affable and articulate Ohio native, who has cultivated a reputation as a clubhouse leader and terrific teammate.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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