splendid

1 of 2

adjective

splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd 

1

: possessing or displaying splendor: such as

a

: shining, brilliant

b

: marked by showy magnificence

2

: illustrious, grand

3

a

: excellent

a splendid opportunity

b

: being out of the ordinary : singular

splendidly adverb

splendidness noun

splendidness

2 of 2

noun

splen·​did·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being splendid : splendor, magnificence

Synonyms of splendid

Adjective

• magnificent
• glorious
• epic
• majestic
• imposing

Choose the Right Synonym for splendid

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 splendid in a Sentence

Adjective

We have a splendid opportunity to do something really useful.

I have some splendid news.

“We'll be coming out to visit over the summer.” “Oh, splendid!”

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

If Arizona can stay in the hunt, a healthy Burnes would provide a splendid late-season boost. —Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Oh, and the USA’s big victory was splendid for fans too. —Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026

Tuscookany runs week-long and three-day cooking holidays across splendid Tuscan villas in Bellorcia, Bellancino, Casa Ombuto and Torre del Tartufo. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026

That’s the spousal duo of Kate Kilbane and Dan Moses, songwriters with a splendid sense of how to use mood, melody and skillfully honed lyrics to drive a story forward. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin splendidus, from splendēre to shine; perhaps akin to Middle Irish lainn bright

First Known Use

Adjective

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for splendid

• bended
• blended
• ended
• fended
• mended
• pended
• tended
• trended
• wended
• amended
• appended
• ascended

Kids Definition

splendid

adjective

splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd 

1

: having or showing splendor : brilliant

2

: impressive in beauty, grandeur, or excellence

a splendid job

a splendid palace

3

: excellent

had a splendid time at the beach

splendidly adverb

splendidness noun

Etymology

Adjective

from Latin splendidus "splendid, brilliant," from splendēre "to shine"