splendid

[ splen-did ]

adjective

1. gorgeous; magnificent; sumptuous.

   Synonyms: imposing, luxurious

   Antonyms: squalid

2. grand; superb, as beauty.

   Synonyms: first-rate, elegant, majestic

3. distinguished or glorious, as a name, reputation, victory, etc.

   Synonyms: noble, brilliant, remarkable, celebrated, conspicuous, eminent, illustrious, famous, famed, renowned

   Antonyms: unremarkable, ignoble, mediocre, ordinary

4. strikingly admirable or fine:

   splendid talents.

   Antonyms: poor, modest

5. excellent, fine, or very good:

   to have a splendid time.

6. brilliant in appearance, color, etc.

   Antonyms: drab, dull

splendid

/ ˈsplɛndɪd /

adjective

1. brilliant or fine, esp in appearance
2. characterized by magnificence; imposing
3. glorious or illustrious

   a splendid reputation

4. brightly gleaming; radiant

   splendid colours

   her splendid face

5. very good or satisfactory

   a splendid time

Derived Forms

• ˈsplendidness, noun
• ˈsplendidly, adverb

Other Words From

• splendid·ly adverb
• splendid·ness noun
• un·splendid adjective
• un·splendid·ly adverb
• un·splendid·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of splendid¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin splendidus “brilliant,” equivalent to splend(ēre) “to shine” + -idus adjective suffix; -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of splendid¹

C17: from Latin splendidus, from splendēre to shine

Synonym Study

See magnificent ( def ).

Example Sentences

Playing a liberated lab assistant with a German accent, Garr proved she was “a splendid comedienne,” The Times’ review said.

From Los Angeles Times

He called Caltech a “splendid environment” for testing out his various ideas.

From Los Angeles Times

The huge plant-eater boasted a splendid frill on its head, topped with spikes and two large horns which curved downwards like blades.

From Science Magazine

In a 2007 book about her wartime experiences, Lamb joked that she only joined the Wrens because of their tricorne hats, which she thought “splendid.”

From Seattle Times

Alex Fryer’s column provides a splendid reminder of what our local trees provide to the vitality and diversity of our community.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• admirable
• brilliant
• distinguished
• exceptional
• exquisite
• fantastic
• glorious
• gorgeous
• grand
• great
• heroic
• impressive
• magnificent
• marvelous
• outstanding
• remarkable
• sublime
• superb
• superlative
• wonderful