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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 At the same time, grand hotels like Palm Springs' El Mirador began drawing high-profile visitors from Los Angeles, about 100 miles away. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025 The crowd roared as Trump made a grand entrance into the arena just before the main card got underway. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 The bridal party made a grand entrance into the park by automobile with a police escort and accompanied by two brass bands. Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025 In the grand scheme, Thomas Doyle’s journey shows that when ambition meets innovation and purpose, visionary outcomes come to life. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Their odd-couple pairing became a magnificent slow burn of hatred into grudging respect into genuine affection, making for a tantalizing will-they-won't-they.
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These are magnificent achievements that propel Hellebuyck beyond back-to-back Vezina Trophy consideration and into Hart territory while proving that Connor and Scheifele can score while playing better defence than earlier in their careers.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The rest of the body's main chakras are located down the five segments of the spine—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx—which are governed by the sympathetic nervous system.
    Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • One study showed that consuming moderate- and high-GI fruits after main meals can improve blood insulin and insulin function.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Packed up his whole life, sold his house, gave up his job, and was on the cusp of a new life.
    Maureen Maher, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The command center overhead stocked a whole town’s worth (450 tonnes) of equipment — including bunk beds, dry toilets, water, and other supplies — ready to be mobilized into the tunnels below by way of dolly carts.
    Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Shahani also believes Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand can grow with the new QX80 and upcoming QX60 large and midsize SUVs, respectively.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In the mid-2000s, the fracking revolution took off, making the US the largest oil and natural gas producer in the world.
    Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In reality, McArthur was a bull-rider from Clinton and a far cry from the aristocratic type others had pegged him for, Lyons said.
    Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In the The Cherry Orchard Ranevskaya and her aristocratic household are confronted by the demands of a changing world.
    Jane Levere, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • And Giuseppe Trevisani, wonderful guy, is my favorite excuse of all.
    Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Scammers convince you to take cash to a bitcoin ATM Her story highlights one huge red flag that consumers must watch out for these days — how scammers are convincing you to take cash to a crypto ATM at the local party store, gas station or grocery.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • When Sheinbaum was six years old, the military, on the President’s orders, attacked a huge student protest in the Three Cultures square in Mexico City.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This extraordinary group rallied together for a single glorious vision: to win four straight playoff games against the finest teams in college football.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • To Step Down As Managing Director Of Singapore’s Hotel Properties The quarter-final marathon against Arthur Fils was the best of the bunch, a captivating young twentysomething match-up of warrior spirits that was reminiscent of Alcaraz’s defeat by Musetti back in that glorious encounter in Germany.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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