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 Few things can spoil a day at the beach — with the glorious waves, soaring sea gulls and shimmering sand — faster than an unpleasant bathroom. —Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 29 Mar. 2025 This movie begins, as so many good ones do, with an establishing shot of the English countryside, sunlit and glorious. —Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025 Yes, despite Iris’ tone, which John quite rightly called glorious. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 24 Mar. 2025 Mature males grow long, glorious, pendulous snoods. —Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glorious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glorious
  1. magnificent
  2. epic
  3. majestic
  4. imposing
  5. proud
  6. massive
  7. grand
Adjective
  • All of the magnificent seven tech stocks are down today on the tariffs news.
    — Ece Yildirim, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Adebayo was stupendous early; Herro was magnificent in the second half.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • The Panthers eliminated his Bruins from the playoffs each of the past two seasons, first in an epic seven-game series to open the 2023 playoffs to begin a magical run to the Cup Final and then in six games last season in Round 2 on the way to winning their first Cup.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
  • During the second quarter of that Wizards epic, Kessler trailed a fast break.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • Far from looking majestic like the riverboat or an oasis of nature like Tom Sawyer Island, the video showed a ride vehicle resembling an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) racing around a dusty dirt track.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • So tell your friends to transform their bedsheets into truly majestic togas.
    — Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    — Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • Mike is a native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the proud home of Steelers training camp, and graduated from American University in Washington, D.C.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • In a post-credits scene from a recent episode of The Kardashians, the proud mom looked at the analytics from her daughter's Lion King performance and was shocked that North was more popular than the rest of her family.
    — Kayla Grant, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Shrek was a massive hit with audiences of all ages, grossing over $484 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo, and winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002.
    — Jane LaCroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Instead, the massive curved claws — close to 1 foot (30 centimeters) in size — belonged to a creature unearthed in what’s now Mongolia.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • But some fans expressed their disappointment that the grand denouement – the identity of mysterious villain ‘H’ – failed to live up to audience expectations.
    — Caroline Frost, Deadline, 5 Apr. 2025
  • But there’s no grand conspiracy and there’s no new information on these big-ticket conspiracy ideas.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of grand

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 11 Apr. 2025.

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