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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 In addition to the splendid decor, activities include gingerbread house decorating and Christmas movie nights. Meredith Lepore, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024 Miss Manners congratulates you on having been invited to a splendid New Year’s Eve party — or perhaps on your new job as the conductor of a symphony orchestra. Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2024 Its practical function: No one, neither courtier nor plebeian, could stand close to the queen, conspicuous in her splendid isolation. Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024 Go back and read a few of the splendid life stories from 2024. Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for splendid 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid
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
  • Just what is an excellent choice to protect your Mac?
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Both teams are excellent at converting third downs.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s where and when to travel this year to see the most dazzling northern lights displays of 2025.
    Passport by ForbesLife, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Most North American observers will be able to watch as the moon passes in front of more than a few stars in this cluster (called an occultation) within a few hours, amid the dazzling lunar glare.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Karlsson was probably the biggest offender, as a couple of glorious Buffalo chances came as a result of his lapses.
    Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • That dance in and of itself is really glorious to me.
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Away from the bottle-poppers of Mykonos, but hardly removed from the season’s social buzz, the white-washed, flat-roofed villas that wrap the cliffs of Santorini are wonderful places to while away a summer.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The melty cheese and crispy bread are a wonderful combination.
    Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Pair it with a touch of highlighter or luminous moisturizer to enhance the glass skin effect without going all in.
    Jessica Diner, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The future of women’s sports is luminous, and for those willing to harness the power of AI, the possibilities are boundless.
    Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The project marks Maddock Films’ first venture into the historical epic genre and features Kaushal alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Looking to experience all the epic zombie action from start to finish?
    Skyler Caruso, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And Kieran Culkin is the highlight of the piece, absolutely terrific in a mercurial and emotional role, and the Golden Globe winner and Screen Actors Guild nominee is the clear favorite to win best supporting actor.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
  • This model has been a terrific success for decades and should be used with UAPs.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near splendid

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on splendid

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