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

In addition to the splendid decor, activities include gingerbread house decorating and Christmas movie nights. —Meredith Lepore, Robb Report, 24 Dec. 2024

Miss Manners congratulates you on having been invited to a splendid New Year’s Eve party — or perhaps on your new job as the conductor of a symphony orchestra. —Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2024

Its practical function: No one, neither courtier nor plebeian, could stand close to the queen, conspicuous in her splendid isolation. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

Go back and read a few of the splendid life stories from 2024. —Carolyn Wells, Longreads, 13 Dec. 2024

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

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"