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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand are roughly equivalent. However, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose hydroelectric projects
grandiose schemes

When can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of grand The shining white marble floors, soaring ceilings and grand black marble staircase create an impressive entrance. David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025 Lean into the legendary vibes and make this 150-year-old grand dame your base for exploring the old city. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025 After about 20 minutes of mingling, Kors made his grand appearance, shortly followed by Waterhouse — the duo kissed each other on the cheek and posed for several photos. Emily Burns, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025 In a collection inspired by opulent and grand interiors, Ganni played with velvet-touch zebra denim, cozy knit denim and pearlescent denim. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Sinise called the museum magnificent — and something love overdue to recognize American heroes.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Legendary head coach Rick Pitino has done a magnificent job coaching the Red Storm this campaign, as the team went 30-4 this season and is on a nine-game win streak heading into the NCAA tournament, most recently winning the Big East tournament championship over Creighton.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Sean Penn co-stars as the film’s main villain, a steely-eyed colonel who looked pretty frigging scary in the footage, while Benicio del Toro is DiCaprio’s gun-toting, gonzo comrade.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The president has touted these tariffs as a way to help the US government rely less on income taxes as a main form of revenue.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The vastness of framed white space and the comparatively minuscule labels arrest the viewer, requiring them to crane their neck, to move back and forth or close to the frame in order to read from part to part to whole while also weighing the blanks.
    Mara Mills, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • He is known for his skillful wedge game and a booming drive, but at Memorial Park, his whole game coalesced perfectly.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In Flushing, long-time residents and small businesses are already feeling the pressure of real estate speculation and skyrocketing rents, with mom-and-pop bakeries and shops shutting their doors and being replaced by large chains.
    Aimee Rosato, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2025
  • This is why a large, organized, grassroots group of locals successfully opposed it.
    Chelsea Cantilli, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • At Watches and Wonders there will be an immersive booth that reinterprets the grand stables of aristocratic houses, where polo was played on private fields.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The royal engagement of Prince George of England (the Duke of Kent) to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark reinforced its aristocratic bona fides.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • So basically, to make a very huge decision like that, which either way would've had consequences within the show, in 10 minutes and get everybody together and have that discussion logistically was a nightmare and borderline impossible.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • There has been tremendous Democratic energy and anger in recent weeks, with progressives disrupting Republican lawmakers’ town hall meetings and holding huge rallies.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • From a glorious span that included winning the 2013 MLS Cup and eight straight postseason appearances, Peter Vermes’ Sporting KC club hadn’t finished higher than eighth in the league standings since 2021.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Frick Collection celebrated its reopening Monday night with a black tie gala befitting its glorious surroundings.
    Bettina Zilkha, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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