Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective magnificent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of magnificent are grandiose, grand, imposing, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

When would grand be a good substitute for magnificent?

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

a grand staircase

When is grandiose a more appropriate choice than magnificent?

In some situations, the words grandiose and magnificent 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

In what contexts can imposing take the place of magnificent?

The words imposing and magnificent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

How is majestic related to other words for magnificent?

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

a majestic waterfall

When might stately be a better fit than magnificent?

While in some cases nearly identical to magnificent, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

Examples 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 magnificent As for his receivers, Shakir was magnificent with five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown and drew a 34-yard pass interference on fourth-and-15 with 1:18 to play while Cooper had his most productive game as a Bill with six receptions for 96 yards. Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024 Light Up Louisville will also include some new features in 2024 including a magnificent drone show, video-mapping show on Metro Hall, free photos with Santa, and trackless train rides aboard the Jolly Jingle Express. Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 7 Dec. 2024 And, in the end, Charlie Brown's pathetic sapling became, with love, a magnificent tree. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 30 Nov. 2024 A couple caught something magnificent on camera while on an overnight flight over scenic Iceland. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnificent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • Alas, awards-season history seems to be repeating itself with Pachinko, the glorious Apple TV+ adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s novel.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Updated for a new era, the show succeeded on its glorious score that Coleman made speak in sometimes unexpected but always thrilling ways.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Masterfully crafted from lantana reeds by artisans of the Coexistence Collective, these epic elephants are already one of Art Week’s most talked about activations, promoting the fragile relationship between nature and humans.
    Jamila Stewart, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Below, check out this brief recap of Taylor Swift's epic year.
    Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Shortly after noon Sunday, the waters eight miles off the coast of Newport Beach were broken by an unusual, if not majestic, sight.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
  • As the doors swung open, choirs filled the air with song and the cathedral's great organ -- silent since the fire -- resounded with majestic melodies.
    THOMAS ADAMSON AND SYLVIE CORBET THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The most imposing constructions, hidden by nature, towered above the tree canopy.
    Anna Lagos, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The Foundling certainly sounds like a more imposing leader in the long term than the country’s autocrat-of-the-day, right?
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2024
Adjective
  • More than twice as massive as every other planet in our solar system combined, Jupiter is immense.
    Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024
  • The Texas Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting tonight to discuss its massive $10 billion project reshaping Interstate 45 near downtown.
    Shafaq Patel, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Funny Christmas jokes for kids, knock-knocks, memes to make dad proud How to prepare for winter 2024 — from freezing pipes to driving in snow and ice Who created Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?
    Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, The Courier-Journal, 16 Dec. 2024
  • As of this week, there’s even a new Glossier product on the block sure to make Emily Weiss proud, a chubby eye shadow stick that’s excellent for accentuating even the most natural of makeup looks.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Tuck’s journey to this milestone is as impressive as her resume.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The year’s most impressive filmmaking debut was the playwright Annie Baker’s soft but spiky recollection of life in western Massachusetts in the early ’90s.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The interior features seven bedrooms, 11 baths, and a two-story foyer for the grandest of entrances.
    Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Seating up to 14 guests, formal dining here becomes a grand affair with an open fire and flickering candles casting shadows across the beamed room.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near magnificent

Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

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