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

Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning fill out a splendid ensemble. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 16 July 2026

For years and even during planning, the new owners had been thinking about how to restore the hotel to its past splendid form. — Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

After a glorious July 4 weekend with typical temperatures and sunny skies, we are set to roll into our first full week of July with much of the same splendid outdoors weather. — Sean MacAday 6, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Addison and Hallock detail 17 splendid Tokyo dining suggestions. — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

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"