splendor
Americannoun
-
brilliant or gorgeous appearance, coloring, etc.; magnificence.
the splendor of the palace.
- Antonyms:
- squalor
-
an instance or display of imposing pomp or grandeur.
the splendor of the coronation.
-
grandeur; glory; brilliant distinction.
the splendor of ancient Greek architecture.
-
great brightness; brilliant light or luster.
- Synonyms:
- refulgence, dazzle
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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
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.
“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
Watts’ take on Jackie O doesn’t hit such heights, but the actor does, in some scenes, achieve a gracious splendor that does justice to her subject’s memory.
From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026
Artists often streamline what they add to the canvas to highlight the aesthetic splendor in simplicity.
From Salon • Feb. 1, 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
“You said it yourself once, there’s nothing out there but open grassland. It would be a safe place for Adiah to get rid of the splendor still inside her.”
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
