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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 Yet, neither one of those reasons is why an all-day festival filled with music performances, fireworks and a grand parade will take over Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 June 2025 Set in 19th-century Paris with grand sets, cabaret scenes, and atmospheric visuals, the story follows an old scholar who sells his soul to the devil for youth and love, leading to tragedy. Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 In the grand scheme of things, the distorto-plugg takeover isn’t that deep—these two cultural bubbles (comedic 808 extremism and actual rap music) should be able to coexist in harmony. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025 In his video he can be seen walking through Union Station’s grand plaza, passing other visitors unnoticed. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Israel hit Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and struck the heart of its ballistic missile program, Netanyahu said.
    Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • While the official investigation is still underway, early video and expert reviews have pointed to a few main theories.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The hiccup for me this time was the whole medical part.
    Bruna Papandrea, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • That’s a real problem, not just for animation but the whole industry.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • The quarterly rebalanced mix of large, mid, and small-cap RV Portfolio stocks provided a flexible approach to capitalize on favorable market conditions while mitigating losses when markets decline, as elaborated in RV Portfolio performance metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Monday night's attacks came 24 hours after Russian forces targeted regions throughout Ukraine with more than 470 attack drones -- one of the largest aerial strikes of the war, according to Ukraine's air force.
    Jason Volack, ABC News, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Period dramas like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and Downton Abbey have fueled a global obsession with aristocratic living—but the real stars of these shows may be the homes themselves.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • The Odeon was built in the 2nd Century for musical events and meetings of the aristocratic council.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • With all this in mind, my first night dozing off on this mattress was a huge relief.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2025
  • Three seasons in, The Gilded Age has barely explored its huge cast of servant characters.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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