splendid

adjective

splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd How to pronounce splendid (audio)
1
: possessing or displaying splendor: such as
b
: marked by showy magnificence
2
3
a
: excellent
a splendid opportunity
b
: being out of the ordinary : singular
splendidly adverb
splendidness noun
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The weather forecast for the Royals’ 2025 season opener is splendid. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2025 Walt Spangler uses every inch of the Guthrie’s proscenium stage to make a grand living room of the space, full of big chandeliers and splendid little details. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 21 Mar. 2025 The best in the live-action genre to date remain Bill Condon’s blockbuster Beauty and the Beast and Kenneth Branagh’s splendid Cinderella. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2025 And for Sanders and Ward, one of those people is their shared personal quarterback coach, Darrell Colbert Jr. Once a splendid quarterback in his own right, Colbert grew up playing football at the highest level one can in high school – in the state of Texas. Mat Issa, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for splendid

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of splendid was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendid. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

splendid

adjective
splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd How to pronounce splendid (audio)
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"

More from Merriam-Webster on splendid

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