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

Almost all have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026

In this 1985 novel, recently reissued by NYRB, Louise has returned to the splendor and decay of New Orleans, where one drunken yet charming Southern gentleman in particular catches her eye. — Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2026

There are many ways to admire the region’s autumnal splendor, from crossing the swinging bridge at Seven Bends State Park to riding the chairlift at Bryce Resort. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Snorkeling and Diving The Channel Islands’ natural splendor continues well below the surface of the Pacific. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 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