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 of splendor

• 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

But more youngsters than not will dig the powerhouse songs and crowd-pleasing splendor. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025

For hours, my travel buddy and I admired the starry splendor with no other sky-watchers in sight. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 12 Nov. 2025

But in early fall and late spring, the splendor of this backcountry is hardly lessened. —Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2025

Passengers can choose between the Seville-Madrid and Madrid-Seville routes, both of which showcase the splendor of Andalusia through luxurious seven-day itineraries. —Spain Tourism, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 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