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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 Seeing a show at the Opry combines intimate performances with grand production, letting fans experience the energy of country music legends up close. Caché McClay, Nashville Tennessean, 26 Aug. 2025 Hamilton has created an environment that feels both grand and cocoon-like, with velvet armchairs in rich jewel tones, sensuous materials like marble and leather, and a confident colour palette that echoes the surrounding natural landscape. Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 The breakfast draws around 1,200 with standing room that includes a live auction of grand champion hams. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 15 Aug. 2025 Two of its shows which brought in the most nominations were certainly grand spectacles that came with a higher price tag. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • For now, Pinto Canyon Road is the best way to see this magnificent country.
    Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2025
  • When the clubs met at Wembley the following month, Newcastle were magnificent, smothering Liverpool and preventing Slot’s side from playing their normal match.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • His main ride is a blue 2005 TJ with a four-inch lift and some other add-ons.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Appropriations Committee reported the legislation by a 26-1 vote, and the whole body voted in favor, 81-15, with four senators not voting.
    Kevin R. Kosar, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
  • But Democrats continue to escalate the matter, and the whole thing has become a farce for Republicans, Democrats and the state.
    Nicole Russell, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Starship, standing 403 feet tall when fully stacked, is regarded as the world’s largest and most powerful launch vehicle ever developed.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
  • That meant international travel and an expertise in commerce that put him on some 15 trade missions to places like Qatar, China and large swaths of Europe.
    Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Affluent area residents and Kyoto aristocratic families supported arts following classical traditions, funding Kōetsu’s production of ceramics, calligraphy, and lacquerware.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • All of the pomp around the Open harkens back to tennis’s history as an aristocratic leisure; the first precursor to the Open, in 1881, was held on a grass court in Newport, Rhode Island, at the height of the Gilded Age.
    Alexandra Moe, The Atlantic, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Make sure everyone gets to enjoy this wonderful pastime for years to come.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The music is wonderful and the archival footage a blast.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • By then the nation is forecast to be facing a huge spike in power outages if sufficient new energy is not released into the U.S. electric grid.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Data centers and artificial intelligence are using huge amounts of electricity to power the largest area of growth in our economy.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Back then, Villa played at Wellington Road, with their time at the ground closed out with a glorious, trophy-laden four seasons.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Look for rowan trees, also known as mountain ash, a native species that shimmers a glorious yellow with red berries during this season, and beech, those huge anchors of so many British forests with russet-brown leaves all autumn.
    Chloe Arrojado, AFAR Media, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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