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

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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!”
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
And the country sure does look splendid through the windows of brand new cars, upscale hotels and expensive ski resorts. — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Billy Wilder’s splendid film noir sees an insurance agent (Fred MacMurray) conspire with an alluring housewife (Barbara Stanwyck) to murder her husband for a hefty payout. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 The French Open, as English speakers tend to call it, takes place during a traditionally splendid time of the year, when Parisians delight in the temperate air. — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 In this splendid and very hot outfit, completed with spindly heeled sandals, Allie reluctantly toddles off into the night to join her glimmering, mini-skirted sisters. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 5 Aug. 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

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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 3 Sep. 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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