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

The production can’t hide the show’s meretricious heart, but like the song that Scherzinger endows with Puccini-esque splendor, Lloyd has discovered “new ways to dream” Webber’s musical.

From Los Angeles Times

“I will always seek to serve this wonderful nation in any capacity and remain at her disposal for the maintenance of her splendor, the security of her people and the protection of her future,” Garcia said in his statement.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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