splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər 

1

a

: great brightness or luster : brilliancy

b

: magnificence, pomp

2

: something splendid

the splendors of the past

splendorous adjective

or less commonly splendrous

ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs 

Synonyms of splendor

• majesty
• brilliance
• glory
• elegance
• magnificence
• grandeur
• nobility

Examples of splendor in a Sentence

The palace had lost much of its original splendor.

the splendor of the ancient monument awed us into silence

Recent Examples on the Web

Drawing me back year after year is the Okefenokee’s breathtaking splendor, magnificent array of plants and animals and its mind-soothing peacefulness and serenity. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026

The screenings are places for Ghibli fans, new and old, to congregate and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the films. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Ice ascents are another great way to soak up Root Glacier’s splendor, says Hill. — Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026

This splendor runs through everything, including the hotel's Treehouse Club for little ones. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English splendure, from Anglo-French splendur, from Latin splendor, from splendēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for splendor

• bender
• blender
• fender
• gender
• lender
• mender
• prendre
• render
• sender
• slender
• tender
• vender

Kids Definition

splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər 

1

: great brightness : brilliance

the splendor of the sun

2

: pomp sense 1, glory

the splendor of ancient Rome

3

: something splendid

the splendors of the past

splendorous adjective

also splendrous

ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs