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

Examples 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 Reminiscent of a never-ending beach vacation and glorious days of warm sunshine, living in such a climate sounds like a dream. Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 One of her pointer fingers was a collision of color, with fuschia, baby blue, and army green all mingling in a glorious combination. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Oct. 2024 Forecast: Today is expected to be glorious: Mostly sunny and very warm with a high of 75. Amy Huschka, Detroit Free Press, 20 Oct. 2024 Room 222, in turn, reminded me of 227, a different show, from the ’80s — and its glorious theme song, by Ray Colcord, sung by Marla Gibbs (who starred in the show). Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for glorious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
Adjective
  • Every three years, the nation’s cutting-edge designers, artists and architects convene at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York for its triennial to interpret the creative and cultural themes of contemporary life—always with magnificent, eye-catching surprises.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The bottom line: The bar on what's magnificent might be getting higher.
    Pete Gannon, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Chouinard was part of the reason Caldwell decided to expand the Diablo Traverse into an epic adventure, to do it human-powered, and to do with his best friend Honnold.
    Jayme Moye, Outside Online, 8 Nov. 2024
  • If either future president presides over a divided Congress, expect epic gridlock and dysfunction in Washington.
    Erin Doherty, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Set in the majestic French Pyrenees, the film addresses the battle between heritage and modernity as the reintroduction of brown bears collides head first with a traditional shepherding community.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Instead of snowfall and frigid temperatures, guests are treated to majestic beaches and warm ocean breezes.
    Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy.
    Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The Foundling certainly sounds like a more imposing leader in the long term than the country’s autocrat-of-the-day, right?
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2024
Adjective
  • Gregory is touched by the compliment and proud of his ability to connect with a student, but Darnell isn’t pleased with the idea of another man forming a bond with his son.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Honorees who have contributed to proud and authentic Jewish storytelling will include: Sheryl Sandberg’s Screams before Silence, Netflix’s Fauda and Jewish Matchmaking, FX’s The Patient, Amazon’s Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey, and David Baddiel’s documentary, Jews Don’t Count.
    Marc Berman, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But there’s also plenty to celebrate, including Beyoncé’s massive haul and Charli XCX’s surprise showing.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • With its massive gravitational pull, Jupiter has altered the orbit of asteroids and comets for billions of years.
    Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The passing of time is central to the grand effect of Say Nothing.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
  • The Vanquish cuts a rakish profile that is underscored by a wheelbase that is 3.1 inches longer than that of the DBS, which was Aston’s most recent V12 model in the Vanquish’s grand touring class.
    Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near glorious

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on glorious

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!