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

His fugues are a draftsman’s rendering of heavenly splendor.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

Outright splendor gives way to bold-faced promotion in an annex gallery, housed in MAD’s grand, soaring nave.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

Lesedi truly lets the splendor move through her, in and out, like he said; she is a true vessel.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

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