splendid

adjective

splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd How to pronounce splendid (audio)
1
: possessing or displaying splendor: such as
b
: marked by showy magnificence
2
3
a
: excellent
a splendid opportunity
b
: being out of the ordinary : singular
splendidly adverb
splendidness noun
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 Fifty years after Picasso’s death, the cultural scene in his native city is as splendid as the sun that bathes the mountains in gold at dawn and dusk—and the imagination with them. Lisa Johnson, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Nov. 2023 Jon Kalbfleisch, Signature’s go-to music director, leads a splendid 16-member orchestra — which amounts to one musician for every 16 ticket holders in Signature’s 277-seat main theater, the Max. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2023 The one in front is supposed to fling his antlers back in a splendid yet saucy posture, with the rest trailing behind in admiration. Murr Brewster, The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Oct. 2023 But off the catwalk, there were even more splendid outfits to take in. Vogue, 14 Sep. 2023 Swapnil Sonawane, known for his work in ‘Last Film Show,’ ‘Newton’ and ‘Sacred Games,’ creates a splendid black and white world, a pure cinematic delight that elevates the theme of ‘Second Chance’ to unexplored heights. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 Nov. 2023 Clark led an invigorating take, with splendid fans of Adriano Spampanato’s harpsichord, heraldic bursts of trumpet and timpani, and a properly sustained and suitably exultant energy. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023 This Disney Princess Dress-Up Trunk is filled with a splendid 21-piece assortment of dresses and accessories, including looks from Sleeping Beauty, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, and Snow White that are sure to spark hours of imaginative play. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 24 Oct. 2023 This is very close to PLATO native resolution and looks absolutely splendid. Cameron Kaiser, Ars Technica, 25 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'splendid.' 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

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

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of splendid was in 1624

Dictionary Entries Near splendid

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendid. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

splendid

adjective
splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd How to pronounce splendid (audio)
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"

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