splendor

especially British, splen·dour

[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 Word Forms

• splendorous adjective
• splendrous adjective
• outsplendor verb (used with object)
• unsplendorous adjective
• unsplendorously 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

Eighty-six years ago, when a kiddie fare cost 15 cents, my then-6-year-old grandmother watched the theater blink from sepia to vivid color splendor.

From Los Angeles Times

Unfortunately, the technology was in no way capable of capturing the mystical splendor of Wilson’s light and imagery.

From Los Angeles Times

This brings me to a more general observation: I believe we’re experiencing an era of absolute splendor, and the Latin Grammys nominations are bound to reflect that.

From Los Angeles Times

In Tang Dynasty China he sits isolated in regal splendor, like an emperor carved in timeless white stone atop an elegantly draped cushion.

From Los Angeles Times

What some critics thought were bursts of bluster, however enthralling, became outright splendor.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brilliance 
• grandeur 
• luster 
• magnificence 
• majesty 
• pomp 
• richness www.thesaurus.com