splendor

[ splen-der ]

noun

1. brilliant or gorgeous appearance, coloring, etc.; magnificence:

   the splendor of the palace.

   Synonyms: dash, show

   Antonyms: squalor

2. an instance or display of imposing pomp or grandeur:

   the splendor of the coronation.

3. grandeur; glory; brilliant distinction:

   the splendor of ancient Greek architecture.

   Synonyms: celebrity, renown, eminence, fame

4. great brightness; brilliant light or luster.

   Synonyms: refulgence, dazzle

verb (used with object)

1. to make splendid by decorating lavishly; adorn.

verb (used without object)

1. to move or proceed with splendor, grandeur, or pomp.

Other Words From

• splendor·ous splen·drous [splen, -dr, uh, s], adjective
• outsplendor verb (used with object)
• un·splendor·ous adjective
• un·splendor·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of splendor¹

1400–50; < Latin splendor, equivalent to splend ( ēre ) to shine + -or -or ¹; replacing late Middle English splendure < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

Little was major or important, but each one was special, capable of reminding us that the sound of this chorus in Disney is a splendor to be encountered nowhere else.

From Los Angeles Times

The vandalism marks a low point for a home born in Hollywood splendor.

From Los Angeles Times

Callas’ was an existence so full of elegance that Larraín’s images threaten to spill out from the screen, unable to contain such splendor.

From Salon

It’s dirt and grit shoved up against beauty and splendor.

From Los Angeles Times

In solitary splendor, the SigAlert even has its own traffic app, so put that in your pipe and smoke it, Waze.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brilliance
• grandeur
• luster
• magnificence
• majesty
• pomp
• richness