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

• augustness
• brilliance
• gloriousness
• glory
• gorgeousness
• grandeur
• grandness
• magnificence
• majesty
• nobility
• nobleness
• resplendence
• resplendency
• splendidness
• splendiferousness
• stateliness
• stupendousness
• sublimeness
• superbness

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

Read my full review on how this Nordic showstopper lives up to all its splendor. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 16 Dec. 2024

Velázquez's Queen Mariana of Austria is one of the artist’s most accomplished portraits, depicting the 18-year-old monarch in full splendor. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Her recipes encapsulate so much of the tropical splendor of the Caribbean’s warm, bright flavors. —The Bon Appétit and Epicurious Staffs, Bon Appétit, 10 Dec. 2024

Tennessee's splendor will be on display in a new postage stamp coming in 2025. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

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

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