splendiferous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of splendiferous
1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin splendōrifer brightness-bearing ( see splendor, -fer, -ous; loss of -or probably by shift of stress, syncope, and dissimilation) + -ous
Explanation
Even though it sounds like a made-up word, splendiferous is a word for wonderful things. You may have seen a splendiferous sunset or a splendiferous velvet gown in your day. A splendor is a beautiful sight. Splendiferous things are even better: this somewhat silly-sounding word is a term for praising things that are absolutely fantastic, either because they're beautiful or otherwise great. A gorgeous spring day is splendiferous. A delicious dinner is splendiferous. Seeing a friend for the first time in months is splendiferous. As long as you're referring to something great, it could be called splendiferous.
Vocabulary lists containing splendiferous
Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics
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Ordinary Hazards
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A Snicker of Magic
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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.
The sprawling, splendiferous, aging metropolis is not an easy place to manage and it humbles all its would-be saviors.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026
And Mangold will premiere, as he says, “a more splendiferous project” than his minimalist debut.
From Seattle Times • May 13, 2023
The play finishes with one last surprising illusion and one splendiferous profusion of music, and costuming by Dominique Fawn Hill.
From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023
“Wealth piled on wealth, wonder on wonder in a stunning, splendiferous pyramid of ostentation.”
From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2020
“Hearty and splendiferous congratulations to you all,” he said without any of his usual zip.
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
