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splendid

American  
[splen-did] / ˈsplɛn dɪd /

adjective

  1. gorgeous; magnificent; sumptuous.

    Synonyms:
    imposing, luxurious
    Antonyms:
    squalid
  2. grand; superb, as beauty.

    Synonyms:
    first-rate, elegant, majestic
  3. distinguished or glorious, as a name, reputation, victory, etc.

    Synonyms:
    noble, brilliant, remarkable, celebrated, conspicuous, eminent, illustrious, famous, famed, renowned
    Antonyms:
    ignoble, mediocre, unremarkable, ordinary
  4. strikingly admirable or fine.

    splendid talents.

    Antonyms:
    poor, modest
  5. excellent, fine, or very good.

    to have a splendid time.

  6. brilliant in appearance, color, etc.

    Antonyms:
    drab, dull

splendid British  
/ ˈsplɛndɪd /

adjective

  1. brilliant or fine, esp in appearance

  2. characterized by magnificence; imposing

  3. glorious or illustrious

    a splendid reputation

  4. brightly gleaming; radiant

    her splendid face

    splendid colours

  5. very good or satisfactory

    a splendid time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See magnificent ( def. ).

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of splendid

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin splendidus “brilliant,” equivalent to splend(ēre) “to shine” + -idus adjective suffix; see -id 4

Explanation

Looking truly magnificent today? Then someone (probably British) might stop you to say "Wow! You look splendid, darling!" Thanks the person, because splendid means glorious, fabulous, wonderful, and/or splendiferous. Use the adjective splendid to describe something of the highest quality. If you're so lucky as to have someone buy you, say, a Harry Winston diamond, splendid! But splendid doesn't apply only to expensive items such as jewelry, clothing, or art. You can also have a splendid idea, morning walk, or encounter with an old friend. For some, using Splenda in their coffee instead of sugar is, for them, well, splendid!

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Vocabulary lists containing splendid

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As you're bopping to Olivia Rodrigo's new album this weekend, why not enjoy some Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream, too?

From Salon • Sep. 8, 2023

Splendid decor aside, this one was as inoffensive in atmosphere, menu, and company as you could expect from a giant chain in the downtown of a midsize Midwestern city.

From Slate • Jul. 28, 2023

“Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream has an ‘Everything Bagel’ flavor featuring cream cheese ice cream with everything bagel gravel,” says Delish.com’s Assistant Food Editor Taylor Ann Spencer.

From Washington Times • Jun. 13, 2023

Sadat says the Taliban’s return is not the only way “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is all too relevant.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 23, 2023

Of chitterlings of pigs were made Its beautiful rafters, Splendid the beams and the pillars Of marvellous pork.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

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