splendid

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

Synonyms

• magnificent
• glorious
• epic
• majestic
• imposing
• proud

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

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

Freeland was splendid, pitching 7 1/3 scoreless innings and giving up just five hits. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2025

Watching her aunt narrate stories upon stories, Kazim’s mind would be filled with the most exciting characters and creatures embarking on the most splendid of adventures! —Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Yet even with the assistance of AI, states will not be absolutely sure that a splendid first strike can knock out a rival’s capacity to retaliate. —Sam Winter-Levy, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2025

But county football has so much more to offer … WEEK 0 Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills High, Aug. 22: This is a splendid way to kick off the season. —Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 31 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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