splendor

American  

[splen-der] / ˈsplɛn dər /

especially British, splendour

noun

• splendors
  plural

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

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• splendors
  plural

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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

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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

See Examples For:

splendor splendors

The author of “Queens and Kings” on books that unveil the lives of English royalty, from Tudor splendor to Victorian household intrigues.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Its storytelling economy is just as crafty, finding splendor with humble tools, and distills Parton’s whole persona into one perfect song.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

With their kids, ranging in age from 6 to 26, they visit the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Sean Duffy’s old digs in Boston and the snowy splendor of Montana and Wyoming.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

The airy set, by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, evokes the mouth-watering, gauzy splendor of the houses in Nancy Meyers movies.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

Instinctively, my hands fold like I’m praying, and then I extend my arms forward, cutting through the splendor as it diverts in either direction, barely avoiding me on either side.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Mr. Gennari, who grew up in Lenox—a little too late for the splendors of Music Inn, except as a point of community pride—is perfectly equipped to tell this tale.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 28, 2025

"Goodly splendors await upon your victory. Love, Mr. Milchick."

From Salon ● Mar. 22, 2025

Like “My Brilliant Friend” and “Gomorrah,” “The Sea Beyond” exploits the Neapolitan sun, water and sky for maximum pictorial effect, and it wraps itself in the city’s architectural and scenic splendors.

From New York Times ● Oct. 16, 2023

Seldom, perhaps, can so bright and pleasant a day be provided at a time when so many people seemed to have the ability to enjoy it and its associated natural splendors.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 15, 2022

The stone seemed to reflect all the splendors of the world: the glittering of the sun on the sea, the flickering of fire, and the shine of silken threads.

From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin

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Related Words

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

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