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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 And in 1921, to honor the 19th Amendment, suffragists unveiled a grand marble sculpture honoring Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. Jennifer Schuessler, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025 Magazine In a grand 1920s building, imbuing authenticity was paramount for the AD100 designer By David FoxleyPhotography by William Jess LairdStyled by Colin King January 20, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Jan. 2025 Pringle, public relations director at Good Publishing Co. at the time, was sent to bid on the grand champion steer by her boss, George Levitan, owner of the publishing firm. Sara Pezzoni, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Jan. 2025 Musk also has grand ambitions of sending the first Starships to Mars in late 2026, the next time that Earth and Mars line up, followed by crewed flights in 2028. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Just take Sotheby's royal and noble sale of magnificent jewels last year that achieved more than twice the estimate, showing the high demand of revival jewelry.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
  • And as for the celebrated Saturn 5, the magnificent machine that launched the Apollo astronauts to the moon?
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The airport's main runway is the single-busiest runway in the country.
    Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Investigators say Diaz was used to catch his main supplier, 33-year-old Anthony Medina.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Outside of booking flights, hotels, and excursions exists a whole other chore of buying proper travel gear to take on these trips, like comfy walking sneakers, carry-on backpacks, and more.
    Kelsey Fredricks, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025
  • But this has been a hallmark of the whole debate between the U.N. and Israel.
    ABC NEWS, ABC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Overture is a much larger, more complicated commercial aircraft, designed to fly at Mach 1.7 and carry 64 to 80 passengers.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2025
  • This week, coffee prices hit a new high after the Trump administration threatened a 25% tariff on Colombia — the third largest coffee-producing country in the world.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Their attire and posture radiated an iconic, aristocratic style, exemplified by Vance's wife, who stood elegantly in her rose-pitch dress coat.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Despite the name, Palace hotels aren’t always centuries-old aristocratic mansions, and many feel thoroughly modern.
    Mary Winston Nicklin, AFAR Media, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The melty cheese and crispy bread are a wonderful combination.
    Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Away from the bottle-poppers of Mykonos, but hardly removed from the season’s social buzz, the white-washed, flat-roofed villas that wrap the cliffs of Santorini are wonderful places to while away a summer.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Shares of chip designer Nvidia, a huge beneficiary of the AI hype, were down 11.8% at 07:05 a.m.
    Jenni Reid, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Luckily, Coach is having a huge sale on a handful of their classic and modern bags and clutches.
    Christopher Murray, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Karlsson was probably the biggest offender, as a couple of glorious Buffalo chances came as a result of his lapses.
    Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • That dance in and of itself is really glorious to me.
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 11 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grand

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

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