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 Beautiful, infuriating, wonderful, awful, glorious, ever-changing, transcendent people. — Rajani Larocca, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026 There's videos of scuffles, marmots walking in snow, maintaining their burrow and just sitting there in all their glorious cuteness. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2026 The Best Hotels in Montenegro Nestled between Croatia and Albania on a glorious sweep of coastline, these Montenegro hotels are worth planning a trip around. — Jonathan Wiggin, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Aug. 2026 Would the passersby’s promise of a glorious view be realized? — Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 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
  • Our stay was an attempt to escape the responsibilities and obligations that come with everyday life for a weekend, and this was a magnificent place to do that.
    — Felicia Brower, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • But there is something magnificent about seeing a small island elevate and celebrate its own musical vibes.
    — Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • This allowed the crew to execute an epic conclusion to the series’ decade-long run that saw the beloved Hawkins gang unite for a final showdown to take down Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower).
    — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Blending breathtaking spectacle and romance, this is an epic story of resilience and transcendence.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • But there’s much more to see here, from the stately El Retiro Park to the majestic Royal Palace.
    — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • And with two outs in the inning, Munetaka Murakami broke that tie with a majestic solo home run.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • 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
  • Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.
    — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • This Queens bakery comes from two restaurant-industry veterans and proud Filipinos Kimberly Camara and Kevin Borja, who started a pop-up back in 2020 and quickly developed a cult following that demanded a brick-and-mortar.
    — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Salesforce is proud to be an early investor, customer, and partner.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Costs had been on the decline since March 2025, following a massive outbreak of bird flu that disrupted the egg supply and sent retail prices soaring.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Future generations not only had to make up these missing deposits but also the massive investment earnings that could have been achieved.
    — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of massive

Browse Nearby Words

glorifying
glorious
gloriously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glorious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glorious. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on glorious

Nglish: Translation of glorious for Spanish Speakers

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