Resplendent means shining brilliantly or looking impressively beautiful and magnificent. When something is resplendent, it seems to glow with beauty or splendor.

Picture a peacock spreading its tail feathers in full sunlight: the blues and greens shimmer so intensely they almost seem to radiate light. That's resplendent. Or imagine walking into a grand ballroom where crystal chandeliers catch the light, making the whole room sparkle. The scene is resplendent with elegance.

The word often describes things that shine or gleam, like resplendent armor polished to a mirror finish, or a bride in a resplendent white gown. But it can also describe anything that stands out with stunning beauty: a garden resplendent with spring flowers, or autumn leaves resplendent in gold and crimson.

Resplendent means dazzling and magnificent, almost overwhelming in beauty. When something is resplendent, people stop and stare because they can't help it.