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

• 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

Here, nestled amongst pine woodlands and alongside a sparkling lake, our creative crew of pros fashioned a forever home and gathering place that beautifully reflects the region's natural splendor, as well as its rich history of architecture and design. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

The town is home to just about two thousand inhabitants and is famous for its natural splendor, particularly the Iğneada Floodplain Forests National Park. —Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025

An upcoming book takes readers across the hidden splendor of Oman’s coast, far from the luxury resorts typically associated with the country. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 23 July 2025

These are also available on Hayu, a place of many splendors. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 23 July 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