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

• august
• baronial
• epic
• gallant
• glorious
• grand
• grandiose
• heroic
• heroical
• Homeric
• imperial
• imposing
• magnific
• magnificent
• majestic
• massive
• monumental
• noble
• proud
• regal
• royal
• stately

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

On the palate, the wine has splendid depth and width, just as its Cabernet Sauvignon offspring so often does in Napa; the difference is a lightness of touch here, an aerial grace, and a lithe ease of line to the tannins; the acidity remains tenderly supportive. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Colors pop with splendid promise, but the raw indifference of the natural world remains. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 18 June 2025

Rodón wasn’t the only Yankee who continued to be the best version of himself on Monday, as Trent Grisham extended his splendid start to the season with a two-run homer off Nick Pivetta in the third inning for his ninth longball. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 May 2025

The lilies come in a splendid range of vivid colors and the lily pads are just as interesting – some three feet across; some with scalloped edges and various textures. —Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025

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"