SPLENDID Synonyms: 313 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

splendid

adjective

ˈsplen-dəd

Definition of splendid

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a splendid mansion in the Georgian style

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wonderful

of the very best kind the restaurant's chef can always be relied upon to prepare a splendid dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dazzling

giving off or reflecting much light a splendid diamond that must have been worth a king's ransom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Mizrahi has not only the chutzpah to reveal the rainbow that is his personality but the panache to revel in its many splendid colors—not all of which are flattering. — Charles Gandee, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026 The results are splendid when the duo is dealing, but when the line comes off the ice, the quality of play decreases. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 Things to do 🏞️ These 13 California destinations are splendid in the fall — and now’s the time to book a trip. — Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Pre-eminently rational and practical…his worldly wisdom effectively disguise[s] a shy and splendid idealism which is the very essence of the man. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid

Adjective

James, along with Sawitskas and his pals, want the carousel to be restored to its original glory, a magnificent, gleaming merry-go-round that inspired Disney to dream.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Opposite the magnificent eighteenth-century Grand Théatre, the 150-room Regent Grand perfectly mirrors the aristocratic elegance of this lovely city, thanks to the exquisite interiors of designer Jacques Garcia.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

In North Georgia’s mountains, autumn already is transforming ridges, forests and streambanks into dazzling palettes of reds, yellows, maroons and deep oranges — all part of nature’s annual leaf color spectacle.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The Age of Innocence Edith Wharton, 1920 Wharton’s portrayal of 1870s New York society shows a world that is both dazzling and suffocating.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of dazzling

Adjective

And proving that great beauty knows no age, Olivia Colman made a glorious case for embracing the gray.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2026
Until this glorious fall Saturday afternoon gave way to the hints of early evening, Indiana football — once the losingest team in all of college football — hadn’t tasted their ordinary helping of defeat for 666 days.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

Williams aims to help build a county government that works for everyday people by lowering the cost of living, delivering excellent county services and protecting fundamental rights.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Oct. 2026
Nikko Remigio’s reputation as a return man isn’t splashy plays, but rather excellent ball security.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

There are other niceties too, like room for luminous tritium vials on a spinning module that should delight eager fidgeters, and the SceptriX's ability to strike up a spark with a separate ferro rod and light a fire.

— Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
Then a toner or essence can keep the skin luminous and smooth and allow active ingredients to work harder.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of luminous

Adjective

Saturday night, the Hurricanes outlasted Florida State, 43-35, the double overtime game adding another epic episode to the rivalry.

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Today's Amazon Deals of the Day are featuring epic discounts on tech that leads by example, rather than their price tag.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of epic

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splendid

splendidly

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“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/splendid. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of splendid

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