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

• augustness
• brilliance
• gloriousness
• glory
• gorgeousness
• grandeur
• grandness
• magnificence
• majesty
• nobility
• nobleness
• resplendence
• resplendency
• splendidness
• splendiferousness
• stateliness
• stupendousness
• sublimeness
• superbness

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

After Vreeland’s death in 1989, the event lost some its splendor under the guidance of museum curators. —Elizabeth Castaldo Lundén, The Conversation, 1 May 2025

During their experience, Ennis and Jack are drawn into an unexpected lifelong relationship, filled with love and loss and unfolding against the raw beauty and splendor of the American West. —Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 29 Apr. 2025

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Matilda Hotel Matilda In a town revered for its colonial charm and baroque splendor, Hotel Matilda dares to be different. —Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025

Ice ascents are another great way to soak up Root Glacier’s splendor, says Hill. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 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