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 of splendid

• magnificent
• glorious
• epic
• majestic
• imposing

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

Give or take one or two, most Budgets are quickly forgotten by most people apart, maybe, from some politics nerds and the splendid folk at the Institute for Fiscal Studies who are paid to assess these things. —Ian King, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

Wanted to commiserate with Bruins fans, who love this historic haunt in its splendid setting, and who would – or will – be heartbroken if their Bruins succeed in breaking their lease that was supposed to last until 2044. —Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 23 Nov. 2025

Kevin Adams’ stark lighting creates some splendid pictures, although Tom Broecker’s sleek costumes and David Rockwell’s minimal sets are better suited for a concert staging than a Broadway production commanding top dollar. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025

The Suleymaniye Mosque is considered Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan's most splendid Istanbul mosque, and he himself is buried in a tomb nearby. —Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 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"