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

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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 The last goaltender in Edmonton to deliver two solid years in a row was Cam Talbot, who was splendid in 2015-16 and 2016-17. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 24 July 2026 The message to spend as much time as possible horizontal is a splendid idea. — Jonathan Samuels, TheWeek, 17 July 2026 No worries, because Matt Damon does a splendid job putting his stamp on a legendary character. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning fill out a splendid ensemble. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for splendid

Adjective

Finalists, who have just been announced, have captured magnificent shots of everything from fish protecting their young to human impact – good and bad.

— Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
In Sterling’s determination to get the Lotus running and to drive it come what may, Tregenza presents the need for speed as a magnificent obsession and the thrill of physical experience as a spiritual quest.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.

— Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Before the weekend, Sony had initially been projecting a much less dazzling start of $195 million domestic and $465 million global that would have still put the film among the top 10 all-time debuts.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
But what began as another dazzling night in the orbit of Hollywood’s elite was about to take a nightmarish turn—one that would send shock waves through the entertainment industry, through Los Angeles, and beyond.

— Peter Rowe, Air Mail, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of dazzling

Adjective

The Marshall Plan and European integration helped produce three decades of rapid growth and rising prosperity, the period the French call les trente glorieuses, the thirty glorious years.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Beautiful, infuriating, wonderful, awful, glorious, ever-changing, transcendent people.

— Rajani LaRocca, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.

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

Definition of excellent

Adjective

In the clip, the luminous actress walks into a room in a white ensemble with her arms crossed over her stomach.

— Morgan Evans, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Don Nelson, who became the NBA’s leader in coaching wins and twice lifted the Warriors from the pits of competitive despair into the playoffs during a luminous half-century pro basketball life, died Sunday.

— Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of luminous

Adjective

For a vibrant alfresco experience, COYA City's courtyard provides lighter Peruvian dishes, ceviches, and superb cocktails, perfect for summer lunches.

— Lela London, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
The robot did a superb job of cleaning the floors, walls, and surface of my 16-by-32-foot in-ground pool.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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