magnificence

noun

mag·​nif·​i·​cence mag-ˈni-fə-sən(t)s How to pronounce magnificence (audio)
məg-
1
: the quality or state of being magnificent
2
: splendor of surroundings

Examples of magnificence in a Sentence

the magnificence of the great castle hallway is beyond description
Recent Examples on the Web Pretty much any time of year is good to visit Door County's winding road, but the best time to witness its magnificence is when its fall colors peak from late-September to mid-October, according to doorcounty.com. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2023 Denis Johnson’s book, with its alternately terrible and fragile wilderness, is famous as a twenty-first-century novel that deftly balances magnificence and brevity—a credit to the poetic cohesion of the author’s design. The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2023 The most exciting photo shoot in the September fashion issues may not be Vogue’s cover featuring four super models reunited in their super-model magnificence. Rachel Tashjian, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2023 But properly moisturized and cared-for curls may surprise you with their potential for heat-free magnificence. Arushi Sinha, Glamour, 27 July 2023 Just as redwoods trigger stronger emotions than dogwoods, the magnificence of whales has a unique ability to infuse us with awe. Time, 5 June 2023 All of this magnificence will be presented by Yogini Jaima, guiding you through an unforgettable evening of musical wonder, inner peace, and spiritual connection. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 2 June 2023 The concerto reveals, with marvel and magnificence, the essential nuance between the indeterminacy of nature’s rhythm and the chaos of our climate interference. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2023 The overwhelming sight, combined with the sound and energy of water rushing at up to 450,000 cubic feet per second in the rainy season, is pure magnificence. Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnificence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnificentia, from magnificus noble in character, magnificent, from magnus great + -ficus -fic — more at much

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnificence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near magnificence

Cite this Entry

“Magnificence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnificence. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

magnificence

noun
mag·​nif·​i·​cence mag-ˈnif-ə-sən(t)s How to pronounce magnificence (audio)
: the quality or state of being magnificent

More from Merriam-Webster on magnificence

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