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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grandiose differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grandiose are grand, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," 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 grand be used instead of grandiose?

While the synonyms grand and grandiose are close in meaning, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

When is imposing a more appropriate choice than grandiose?

In some situations, the words imposing and grandiose are roughly equivalent. However, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of grandiose?

The words magnificent and grandiose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for grandiose?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When would stately be a good substitute for grandiose?

The synonyms stately and grandiose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 grandiose One was at the Tonga Room, the famed tiki bar hidden deep inside the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill, known for its grandiose decor and giant indoor pool. Daniel Bromfield, Mercury News, 28 July 2025 This isn’t an instance of crony capitalism, but a tale about well-meaning administrations, of both parties, pursuing grandiose ambitions without the vision, competence, or funding to realize them. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025 The opposition eventually halted the grandiose project after one long runway was built. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 And the evening might have said as much, scaling down some of the more grandiose aspects of her Coachella performance — the medieval facade in the backdrop, the chessboard in the middle of the audience — to fit into a smaller setting. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
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
  • But this act of arrogant bullying should also re-kindle the spirit of hope and unity that swept through this community in the aftermath of that horrible night in 2016, that still binds Orlando in its 150th anniversary year.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Harry Potter fans might recognize Stroma for playing the arrogant Hogwarts student named Cormac McLaggen in the film franchise.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The buzz around the quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class dominated discussions ahead of fantasy football drafts last season, and Jayden Daniels’ epic rookie campaign certainly showed it was warranted.
    Jake Ciely, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
  • In addition to an epic suite, the owner has a private foredeck with a Jacuzzi, lounge, and marble fire pit.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • London’s theft of a horse became part of a larger narrative of being flashy, ostentatious, too smart for his own good.
    Bitter Kalli August 19, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The affair led to two marriages for the couple, 11 films, and an ostentatious jet-setting lifestyle that involved furs, jewelry, yachts, and glamorous travel.
    Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 14 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
Adjective
  • Kirk Lazarus is a prestigious, pretentious actor who decides to go full method — to put it mildly — in portraying a Black soldier.
    Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Though Dirty Dom’s in-ring debut began in 2020, the pretentious son of Rey Mysterio Jr. inherited his slick ways from iconic WWE superstar Eddie Guerrero.
    Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In many ways, Eze feels a throwback Arsenal player, the kind of footballer blessed with supreme technique and control in tight spaces, rather than the more imposing figures like Declan Rice and Merino that Arteta has recruited.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Proposals ranged from turning the block into a public pavilion to adding a fabric facade around the current building to give it a less imposing look.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Over two films, Reed faced off against Victor, the pompous and vengeful CEO of Von Doom Industries.
    Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 30 July 2025
  • Jamie Demetriou, best known for his memorable performances in Fleabag and Stath Lets Flats, has been cast as the pompous and self-important distant relative who intends to marry one of the Bennet girls.
    Emily Blackwood, People.com, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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