splendid

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

Synonyms of splendid

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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

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
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.
In a town full of historically important homes, it is known as one of the more splendid examples dating back to Lawrence’s earliest days. — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 In the rapidly fading light, a splendid buck muley took half a step forward and looked straight toward me. — Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for splendid

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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
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Cite this Entry

“Splendid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/splendid. Accessed 20 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

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

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