splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər 

1

a

: great brightness or luster : brilliancy

b

: magnificence, pomp

2

: something splendid

the splendors of the past

splendorous adjective

or less commonly splendrous

ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs 

Synonyms

• augustness
• brilliance
• gloriousness
• glory
• gorgeousness
• grandeur
• grandness
• magnificence
• majesty
• nobility
• nobleness
• resplendence
• resplendency
• splendidness
• splendiferousness
• stateliness
• stupendousness
• sublimeness
• superbness

Examples of splendor in a Sentence

The palace had lost much of its original splendor.

the splendor of the ancient monument awed us into silence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Frieze Art Fair and the Met’s Costume Institute gala start the May art season, which flowers in all its mercenary, status-seeking, and acquisitive splendor. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 18 May 2024

But parenting is still parenting, even in such splendor. —Jessamine Chan, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English splendure, from Anglo-French splendur, from Latin splendor, from splendēre

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər 

1

: great brightness : brilliance

the splendor of the sun

2

: pomp sense 1, glory

the splendor of ancient Rome

3

: something splendid

the splendors of the past

splendorous adjective

also splendrous

ˈsplen-d(ə-)rəs