splendor

American  

[splen-der] / ˈsplɛn dər /

especially British, splendour

noun

1. brilliant or gorgeous appearance, coloring, etc.; magnificence.

   the splendor of the palace.

   Synonyms:

   dash, show

   Antonyms:

   squalor

2. an instance or display of imposing pomp or grandeur.

   the splendor of the coronation.

3. grandeur; glory; brilliant distinction.

   the splendor of ancient Greek architecture.

   Synonyms:

   celebrity, renown, eminence, fame

4. great brightness; brilliant light or luster.

   Synonyms:

   refulgence, dazzle

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verb (used with object)

1. to make splendid by decorating lavishly; adorn.

verb (used without object)

1. to move or proceed with splendor, grandeur, or pomp.

Other Word Forms

• outsplendor verb (used with object)
• splendorous adjective
• splendrous adjective
• unsplendorous adjective
• unsplendorously adverb

Etymology

Origin of splendor

1400–50; < Latin splendor, equivalent to splend ( ēre ) to shine + -or -or ¹; replacing late Middle English splendure < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Explanation

The noun splendor refers to something that is magnificent or grand. If your prom was held in a luxurious ballroom with elegant decor, you might note the splendor of the setting. The noun splendor has its roots in the Latin word splendere, which means bright. Splendid, splendiferous, and resplendent are all related adjectives used to describe grand, magnificent, and brilliant things. Splendor usually has the connotation of luxury or quality, as in "the splendor of Balmoral castle," or "the splendor of the view at the Grand Canyon."

Example Sentences

It brought the bootstrapping fantasy of this rising family, a few generations removed from the toiling class, into Britain’s living rooms with the right blend of serious theatricality and soapy splendor.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2026

“Majestically set on 12 sweeping acres of lush, open grounds, this extraordinary estate captures the full splendor of its idyllic surroundings.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

I don’t remember a time in my life where I’ve ever said I was absent of the joy and splendor of just doing music, singing, playing the piano, writing.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 29, 2025

She sees the splendor in land, water and wilderness and understands how to capture it with all the grace of a song.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

“You will need to continue the kind of exercises we have done today, drawing small amounts of the splendor in and through your body,” said Badwa.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

• brilliance
• grandeur
• luster
• magnificence
• majesty
• pomp
• richness