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 Sally and Gillian come from a long line of witches and have lived in a resplendent Massachusetts home with their aunts Frances (Stockard Channing) and Jet (Dianne Wiest) ever since a curse struck down their father and led to their mother’s suicide. — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for resplendent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for resplendent
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
Adjective
  • The San Francisco head coach’s time as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator was both glorious and heartbreaking.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But even those without a passion for specialty groceries end up there sooner or later for the glorious, enormous, budget-friendly sandwiches.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond cooking, Relota Luczo takes a shot of Furtuna Skin’s LXR06 Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil on an empty stomach each morning to maintain her beautiful skin.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Give the cake a final shake of fresh nutmeg for a beautiful presentation.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Spiced Cream Cheese Bundt Cake Adding pumpkin spice to half the batter before putting the two components together creates a magnificent swirl pattern that your holiday guests will ooh and aah over when cutting into this gorgeous cake.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • In contrast to the gorgeous monochrome visuals, this is a land that stinks of complicity and delusion — of opportunists desperate to scramble onto the right side of history.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • An all-black look never fails to look elegant and serves as a contrasting backdrop to your zebra-print bag.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.
    — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Montserrat Collection Residence Set within a 1930s French-style building, this lovely home features contemporary Argentine art and mid-century design.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
  • But Mi-ok is game to be interviewed, and her words spring to life in wistfully lovely flashbacks.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In a stunning political comeback, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been elected president of Brazil, according to official results from Sunday's runoff election, with more than 96% of the votes counted.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
  • My room was the 400-square-foot Studio Suite—one of the most in-demand categories because of the stunning sightlines on three sides.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Maybe no scene better embodies Lee’s exquisite communion with his characters than his last one, which supplies them with a hint of grace.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • From the lobby to the guest rooms, there’s an exquisite attention to detail with fine finishes, appealing textures, and a color palette carefully chosen to evoke the refined spirit of Milan.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/resplendent. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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