splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər 

1

a

: great brightness or luster : brilliancy

b

: magnificence, pomp

2

: something splendid

the splendors of the past

splendorous adjective

or less commonly splendrous

ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs 

Synonyms

• majesty
• brilliance
• glory
• elegance
• magnificence
• grandeur
• nobility

Examples of splendor in a Sentence

The palace had lost much of its original splendor.

the splendor of the ancient monument awed us into silence

Recent Examples on the Web

Beyond the natural splendor, Sri Lanka is also home to a storied culture that spans centuries, with bustling cities and idyllic temples found all across the country. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

The salon where the women slept rivaled the splendor of the palace at Versailles, with ceiling cupids and velvet tapestries. —Amy Sohn, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 June 2025

Sounds like a worthy price tag for the seven-seat splendor. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 June 2025

Is the current splendor altogether positive, or are there shadows lurking in the background? —Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English splendure, from Anglo-French splendur, from Latin splendor, from splendēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for splendor

• bender
• blender
• fender
• gender
• lender
• mender
• prendre
• render
• sender
• slender
• tender
• vender

Kids Definition

splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər 

1

: great brightness : brilliance

the splendor of the sun

2

: pomp sense 1, glory

the splendor of ancient Rome

3

: something splendid

the splendors of the past

splendorous adjective

also splendrous

ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs