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Synonyms

resplendent

American  
[ri-splen-duhnt] / rɪˈsplɛn dənt /

adjective

  1. shining brilliantly; gleaming; splendid: resplendent virtues.

    troops resplendent in white uniforms;

    resplendent virtues.

    Synonyms:
    magnificent, gorgeous, radiant

resplendent British  
/ rɪˈsplɛndənt /

adjective

  1. having a brilliant or splendid appearance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • resplendence noun
  • resplendently adverb
  • self-resplendent adjective
  • unresplendent adjective
  • unresplendently adverb

Etymology

Origin of resplendent

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin resplendent- (stem of resplendēns ), present participle of resplendēre “to shine brightly,” equivalent to re- re- + splend(ēre) “shine” ( splendor ) + -ent- -ent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The earl of Arundel’s tomb expresses the grim realities beneath the era’s facade of chivalry: Above, he is depicted resplendent in full armor; below, as a gaunt cadaver.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

The feature had aimed "to create a sumptuous and resplendent atmosphere", the hotel's parent company said in a filing Wednesday.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

Prop Hannah Botterman, whose physio-enforced ban on knee sliding was lifted for the post-match celebrations, sat in the centre, resplendent in a red cowboy hat.

From BBC • Sep. 28, 2025

Just a few miles from Life Center, an evangelical megachurch that hosted Elon Musk late in the 2024 election season, Pastor Best continues to transform his resplendent church into a community mission.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2025

Buffalo Bill, resplendent in white buckskin and silver, was there to greet him, along with the rest of the Wild West company and ten thousand or so residents of Chicago.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson