resplendent

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective resplendent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of resplendent are glorious, gorgeous, splendid, sublime, and superb. While all these words mean "extraordinarily or transcendently impressive," resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

When might glorious be a better fit than resplendent?

Although the words glorious and resplendent have much in common, glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

When can gorgeous be used instead of resplendent?

The words gorgeous and resplendent can be used in similar contexts, but gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

When is splendid a more appropriate choice than resplendent?

The synonyms splendid and resplendent are sometimes interchangeable, but splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

When would sublime be a good substitute for resplendent?

In some situations, the words sublime and resplendent are roughly equivalent. However, sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

When could superb be used to replace resplendent?

While in some cases nearly identical to resplendent, 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 resplendent All that illuminated us were dozens of votive candles at the base of her feet, most bearing Guadalupe’s resplendent image. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 Dec. 2024 And this was the only audible sound (besides the snow squeaking under my feet) — a greeting to the day’s early light and its resplendent clarity. Andriy Sodomora (tr. Sabrina Jaszi & Roman Ivashkiv), The Dial, 12 Dec. 2024 Last summer our Airbnb in Spain delivered resplendent views — and, several times an hour, the booming sound of an air cannon firing over a nearby orchard to scare away the birds. Megan Tady, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024 Just last month, Radio City completed the replacement of more than 10,000 linear feet of dimming neon tubes as part of a resplendent restoration of its wraparound Art Deco marquee and vertical signs. John Freeman Gill, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resplendent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • Just take Sotheby's royal and noble sale of magnificent jewels last year that achieved more than twice the estimate, showing the high demand of revival jewelry.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • And as for the celebrated Saturn 5, the magnificent machine that launched the Apollo astronauts to the moon?
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Check into a $10,000 to $50,000 a night private villa on Fisher Island and enjoy the same glorious views of the Atlantic or Biscayne Bay that Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts and Dwyane Wade get.
    Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 30 Jan. 2025
  • These potato boats have four of the best foods all in one glorious appetizer: bacon, chicken, cheese, and potato—all drizzled with ranch.
    Amanda Stanfield, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And Billie Eilish gave a beautiful tribute to her hometown, Los Angeles.
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2025
  • These beautiful journeys in the United Kingdom will bring you through mountains, valleys, and fairy-tale villages.
    James March, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Comments The White Lotus, Mike White’s Emmy-winning HBO series, offers many pleasures, from sharp writing and gorgeous locations to some of the best ensembles on TV.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 30 Jan. 2025
  • The gorgeous Echo Dot 4th gen is 62% off at Woot right now bringing it down to just under $20.
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • An especially fun one is The Group, his soapy adaptation of the 1963 novel by Mary McCarthy, in which wedding guests lunch at the elegant old Brevoort Hotel before trailing the happy couple to the subway (and throwing rice down the stairs after them).
    Vogue, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Regardless of whether it's worn as an elegant dress or in a classic button-up shirt, this shade demonstrates remarkable versatility while maintaining its impact.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here, instead of the mustard that’s included in many classic potato salad recipes, sour cream, vinegar, and briny pickles team up to lend a lovely amount of tartness to cut through the richness of the potatoes, eggs, and mayo.
    Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Declan Rice’s lovely half-volley had set Arsenal on their way to a 3-0 win against Dinamo Zagreb, almost guaranteeing a top-eight finish in the Champions League’s league phase and a bye straight to the round of 16.
    Art de Roché, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But the sequences are also meant to be dream visions, metaphysical and cinematic escapes into an alternate dimension full of exquisite grandiosity and grace.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Porsche was building exquisite lightweight sports cars long before the 917K came along, but the incidence of drivers who drove one in period who then went and bought one later in life is an interesting correlation.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Thanks to the twin blowers, the Vantage’s engine pounded out a stunning 550 horsepower and 555 lb-ft of torque.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Hours later, from the Oval Office, Trump signed a stunning executive order that granted pardons to more than fifteen hundred individuals who had been convicted of crimes linked to the violent Capitol riot four years ago.
    Tess Owen, The New Yorker, 30 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 6 Feb. 2025.

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