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

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

Expect a night of dazzling sights, as costumed performers, puppets and floats make their way down Columbus Drive.

— Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The royal shared a better look at her new dye job later that evening, complementing her summery highlights with a butter yellow Elie Saab cutout cape gown and her dazzling Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of dazzling

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

Definition of glorious

Adjective

His 28-yard touchdown reception from Sam Darnold late in the second quarter beat Delane, who had excellent position.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
The biggest key for the Brewers in this game is to see if their bullpen can keep their excellent pitching alive.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

This sort of event is also seen in the super-luminous supernova population.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
An exuberant pre-dawn sky — filled with large, bright stars, a luminous crescent moon, and blue and white swirls — dominates the landscape featuring a prominent cypress tree and distant hillside village.

— Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 24 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

Adjective

As for Hüller, this is another superb performance in a series of them in recent years.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Jansen then trapped Travis Head lbw for 14 after a review and Simon Harmer took a superb catch at gully to send back Marnus Labuschagne (14) with Australia reduced to 45-4 in 14 overs.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of superb

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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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of splendid

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