glorious

adjective

ˈglȯr-ē-əs How to pronounce glorious (audio)
Definition of gloriousnext
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception the advent of the printing press in the West ushered in a glorious new era of learning

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 glorious What’s more, only a week after the Icon opened, the glorious Bank restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten (now Voice restaurant and lounge) was packed with gorgeous folk—including Lynn Wyatt, the uncrowned queen of Houston society. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026 Tyler placed it between us with an elegant flourish; the steam carried the scent of glorious-secret spices. — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 We’re usually not supposed to look directly at the sun except during the glorious totality of a solar eclipse. — Damien Pine, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026 The horn takes center stage in Mozart’s Quintet, rising to a glorious fanfare. — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
  1. magnificent
  2. epic
  3. majestic
  4. imposing
  5. proud
  6. massive
Adjective
  • Omaanda is among a handful of smart new lodges upping the game amid the remote and magnificent landscapes of Namibia, a rising star on the African safari circuit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Teddy bears and trains, baseballs and dolls dance through the air into Santa's enormous sack, which sits at Santa's feet, or rather Harry's, who is perched high on the throne at the back of the float, magnificent in white whiskers and red velvet.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • Her novels are often narrated in first person and range from intimate confessions to buoyant epic sagas.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Two fighters, Lucario and Greninja, appeared, broke through the frozen screen and fought on the shattered ice blocks in an epic battle.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • The Wicker Husband’s presence — his brooding desire, and the spectacle driving the whole town wild with horny jealousy — is a majestic demonstration of cinematic craft from Dániel and Godena-Juhász and Dunckley and Rubano.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026
  • And Smith had spent his teenage summers working in the Sierra as a mule hand, so reporting on the fate of the trees would be a chance to reconnect with a majestic landscape that left an enduring mark on his soul.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • The Spurs believe the most imposing version of their defensive cornerstone has yet to arrive.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly.
    — Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • And like many on the margins, Kanchan was proud of her right to vote — a rare equalizer in unequal India.
    — Diaa Hadid, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The only thing that matters is that my kids, their moms and my dad are proud of me.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Toronto reacquired Leonard in an offseason trade after a salary cap-circumvention scandal that led to massive sanctions against the Clippers.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Pearson and his brother KeShaun are the two most prominent local opponents of Elon Musk’s xAI, a subsidiary of which has developed a massive data-center complex, provocatively named Colossus, in and around South Memphis.
    — Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of massive

Browse Nearby Words

glorifying
glorious
gloriously
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Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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