splendor

noun

splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər How to pronounce splendor (audio)
Synonyms of splendor
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 How to pronounce splendor (audio)

Synonyms of splendor

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Snorkeling and Diving The Channel Islands’ natural splendor continues well below the surface of the Pacific. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 There’s also a sense of maximalism that sums up the old Mexico as a time of splendor. — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 After spending time looking at the three clusters, sweep your binoculars along the splendor of the winter Milky Way, in which Auriga sits. — Gemma Lavender, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 Beyond its architectural splendor, Gran Vía offers world-class shopping, from international flagship stores to local boutiques, while its historic theaters host Broadway musicals and classic plays. — Jennifer Fernández Solano, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for splendor

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of splendor was in the 15th century

Rhymes for splendor

See All Rhymes for splendor

Browse Nearby Words

splendiferous
splendor
splendorous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Splendor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendor. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

splendor

noun
splen·​dor ˈsplen-dər How to pronounce splendor (audio)
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 How to pronounce splendor (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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