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

Relevance

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
But while the Ritz carried on in the same splendid fashion as always, the Crillon blasted off in search of something new. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 At Van Cleef & Arpels, ancient Egyptian silhouettes are realized in softened but no less splendid formats. — Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 That’s the spousal duo of Kate Kilbane and Dan Moses, songwriters with a splendid sense of how to use mood, melody and skillfully honed lyrics to drive a story forward. — Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026 The British royals had a splendid time holidaying with Spain's royal family at the Marivent Palace in August 1987. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 1 July 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 8 Jul. 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"

More from Merriam-Webster on splendid

Nglish: Translation of splendid for Spanish Speakers

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