resplendent

Definition of resplendentnext

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 Pieces like the resplendent Esme Sapphire Cushion ring or the rich Henri Emerald-Cut ring have all the eye-catching glamour of diamonds with a touch of bold blue or green for those who prefer a pop of color. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 Falcon’s is a resplendent six-bedroom villa equipped with nanny’s quarters, its own waterfall and infinity pool, and a terrace large enough to host a banquet. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026 The products of Hassinger’s alchemical touch are on view in a resplendent exhibition at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), her most comprehensive retrospective to date. — Carolina A. Miranda, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026 However, New England doesn’t hold a monopoly on resplendent fall foliage. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
Adjective
  • Outperformance for the non-magnificent S & P 493 would come at key point for the stock market, which has chugged along fine on the headline level thanks to the megacaps but has seen its breadth weaken considerably beneath the surface.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Waugh was a magnificent writer, and his prose has a rare gravity and balance.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • With a sky-skimming infinity pool, the longest in Palma, that brings the Balearic sea right up to the feet of the Balinese sunbeds, El Llorenç’s rooftop is glorious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra—a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • With that, Dorinda gathers everyone (except for Chanel Ayan, who is too beautiful for the cold) out into the freezing night for the fireworks that end this celebration.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, this celestial crustacean has no star brighter than 4th magnitude and its only claims to fame are its membership in the zodiac and beautiful M44.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 4 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s his drop-dead gorgeous spouse, a huge welcoming home, darling children, and a pillar-of-the-community job that gives him a clean conscience.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The book is full of gorgeous photos of their projects, including their own homes (Bunny’s mossy green-colored library, for example), plus their inspirations and design philosophies.
    — Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Brasserie beside it, a continuation of the same vibe, focuses on French dishes with some good vegetarian options, and hosts a breakfast buffet with lovely local products.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The lovely south-facing casement windows in the living room are original; at the other end of the apartment is enough room for a second bedroom or office, plus a closet).
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The stunning failure in Tennessee's execution chamber on Wednesday has left both sides of the death penalty debate demanding answers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The stunning failure in Tennessee’s execution chamber on Wednesday has left both sides of the death penalty debate demanding answers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no end of things to do here—an athletic club, frequent cultural events, and an exquisite spa.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Played with exquisite, improbably expressive steeliness by Florence Pugh, Cathy does not awaken from nowhere as a predator.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster