splendid

1 of 2

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

splendidness

2 of 2

noun

splen·​did·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being splendid : splendor, magnificence

Synonyms of splendid

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

From Churchill onward, many British leaders clung to fantasies of global power and splendid isolation from Europe, fantasies that culminated in the disaster of Brexit. — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

In this splendid and very hot outfit, completed with spindly heeled sandals, Allie reluctantly toddles off into the night to join her glimmering, mini-skirted sisters. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Budapest has marvelous music and museums, and plenty to see and do, and this is a splendid—and central—place to stay to start exploring. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Supporting all manner of work is always the best way of preserving and celebrating the splendid diversity of filmmaking. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Adjective

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