resplendent

adjective

re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt How to pronounce resplendent (audio)
: shining brilliantly : characterized by a glowing splendor
meadows resplendent with wildflowersOutdoor World
resplendently adverb

Did you know?

Resplendent has a lot in common with splendid (meaning, among other things, "shining" or "brilliant"), splendent ("shining" or "glossy"), and splendor ("brightness" or "luster"). Each of these glowing terms gets its shine from the Latin verb splendēre ("to shine"). In the case of resplendent, the prefix re- added to splendēre, formed the Latin resplendēre, meaning "to shine back." Splendent, splendor, and resplendent were first used in English during the 15th century, but splendid didn't light up our language until over 175 years later; its earliest known use dates from the early 1600s.

Choose the Right Synonym for resplendent

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive.

splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples of resplendent in a Sentence

The fields were resplendent with flowers. She looked resplendent in her green evening gown. a bird with resplendent yellow feathers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the ruins of Rome’s opulent Domus Aurea palace, archaeologists have uncovered an array of ancient pigments used by artisans to paint the walls of the emperor Nero’s stately marble home with resplendent frescoes some 2,000 years ago. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025 Her resplendent fashion sense has become a hit at every awards show (even becoming a bit of a meme for her sky-high, stage-obscuring white head wrap at the 2023 Oscars). August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 This Michelin-key hotel also features three other resplendent pools decked out with cabanas, as well as a 40,000 wellness spa and fitness center that includes a SoulCycle studio. Shivani Vora, Architectural Digest, 30 Dec. 2024 The table, set in resplendent shades of green, provided the perfect case study of Aerin’s power to transform the act of hosting into an art form. Ian Malone, Vogue, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resplendent 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin resplendent-, resplendens, present participle of resplendēre to shine back, from re- + splendēre to shine — more at splendid

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of resplendent was in the 15th century

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Dictionary Entries Near resplendent

Cite this Entry

“Resplendent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resplendent. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

resplendent

adjective
re·​splen·​dent ri-ˈsplen-dənt How to pronounce resplendent (audio)
: so bright as to seem to glow
fields resplendent with flowers
resplendent in a new red coat
resplendently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on resplendent

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