splendid

1 of 2

adjective

splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd How to pronounce splendid (audio)
Synonyms of splendid
1
: possessing or displaying splendor: such as
a
: shining, brilliant
b
: marked by showy magnificence
2
: illustrious, grand
3
a
: excellent
a splendid opportunity
b
: being out of the ordinary : singular
splendidly adverb
splendidness noun

splendidness

2 of 2

noun

splen·​did·​ness
plural -es
: the quality or state of being splendid : splendor, magnificence

Synonyms of splendid

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for splendid

splendid, resplendent, gorgeous, glorious, sublime, superb mean extraordinarily or transcendently impressive.

splendid implies outshining the usual or customary.

the wedding was a splendid occasion

resplendent suggests a glowing or blazing splendor.

resplendent in her jewelry

gorgeous implies a rich splendor especially in display of color.

a gorgeous red dress

glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction.

a glorious sunset

sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.

a vision of sublime beauty

superb suggests an excellence reaching the highest conceivable degree.

her singing was superb

Examples of splendid in a Sentence

Adjective We have a splendid opportunity to do something really useful. I have some splendid news. “We'll be coming out to visit over the summer.” “Oh, splendid!”
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Adjective
Capturing the whole of the set-up, a Mediterranean pile on the north-west coast of Cyprus, framing its splendid size, its weighty elegance, its thrilling solidity, is challenging. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Braden Montgomery lined a two-run double down the right-field line, Sean Burke allowed one hit in 5 1/3 innings of splendid relief and the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Monday to take a 2-0 lead in their AL Division Series. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 Mizrahi has not only the chutzpah to reveal the rainbow that is his personality but the panache to revel in its many splendid colors—not all of which are flattering. — Charles Gandee, Vogue, 27 Sep. 2026 The results are splendid when the duo is dealing, but when the line comes off the ice, the quality of play decreases. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendid

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin splendidus, from splendēre to shine; perhaps akin to Middle Irish lainn bright

First Known Use

Adjective

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of splendid was in 1624

Rhymes for splendid

See All Rhymes for splendid

Browse Nearby Words

splendent
splendid
splendide mendax
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendid. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

splendid

adjective
splen·​did ˈsplen-dəd How to pronounce splendid (audio)
1
: having or showing splendor : brilliant
2
: impressive in beauty, grandeur, or excellence
a splendid job
a splendid palace
3
: excellent
had a splendid time at the beach
splendidly adverb
splendidness noun
Etymology

Adjective

from Latin splendidus "splendid, brilliant," from splendēre "to shine"

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