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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 Despite the grand claims that AI will revolutionize every industry, the reality is far less impressive. Virginie Berger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Baker also leads the orchestra, which sounds grand — although the sound in the arts center’s Pugh Theater often left musicians, lead singers and chorus all at the same level, with actors speaking over all of it at the same time to create a sonic jumble. Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025 As for the past few years, her looks have grown even more grand. India Espy-Jones, Essence, 26 Feb. 2025 Two therapy service dogs at a hospital in Ohio received a grand farewell party after serving children for almost a decade. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • In Cairo, the Sphinx, the Giza Pyramids and the magnificent Pyramid of Cheops beckon.
    Rona Berg, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Playing for Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Karlsson was magnificent in all three of his appearances.
    Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The group was dealt another blow with the fall of the Assad family's five-decade rule in Syria in early December, which blocked a main route for the flow of weapons and money from Iran.
    BASSEM MROUE, arkansasonline.com, 24 Feb. 2025
  • What’s different this time is how Wilds‘ main antagonist, the White Wraith, behaves.
    Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Financing the whole amount could be challenging for the groups that rely on public donations.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The salsa superstar will perform with his whole band as part of his Historias tour, in what will be his fourth appearance at the festival.
    Leila Cobo, Billboard, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The release of over 600 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel — the largest one-day prisoner release in the ceasefire’s first phase — did not occur just after the hostage releases as expected, apparently for Israeli security consultations on Saturday evening.
    WAFAA SHURAFA, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Under the new regime, the staff became more afraid to talk to one another in large groups and stopped connecting their personal devices to the government Wi-Fi for fear of being surveilled.
    Karen Hao, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Sina Villa Matilde About 40 minutes from Turin, this elegant hotel is set in an 18th-century residence that once belonged to the Bishop of Ivrea and later to the aristocratic Bocca family, who is behind Sina Hotels.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 22 Feb. 2025
  • The Pinacoteca and its treasures are my neighbors in an area that preserves the blend of aristocratic elegance and popular charm that is one of Milan’s most enchanting qualities.
    Miles Socha for WWD, ARTnews.com, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • One pole of the action is the Green Dolphin Hotel, where Hezekiah and Alec finally find a place to land, and where Hezekiah’s ability to speak Chinese, a legacy from a Chinese grandmother, endears him to the proprietor, Mr. Lao (Jason Tobin, quiet and wonderful); some Elephants are around as well.
    Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Parker Hall The Best MagSafe Accessories for Your New iPhone The weird, wonderful world of MagSafe accessories can make your smartphone feel modular.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The 27-track album became a huge catalyst for the recent spotlight on Black country artists and the genre's roots.
    Caché McClay, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Muskie vs Pike Size Both muskies and pike can grow huge.
    Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The glorious roars, screams, chants, cheers and whistles of approval don’t stop.
    Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
  • And there’s a glorious selection of rental homes and condos situated on both the ocean and the harbor.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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