MAGNIFICENT Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

magnificent

adjective

mag-ˈni-fə-sənt

Definition of magnificent next

as in glorious

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a magnificent mansion that still takes away the breath of visitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 magnificent At the end of it stands Trump, which his loopy ideas about depopulating Gaza, owning it, and building magnificent resorts. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 The magnificent celebration of the Kumbh and the enduring reverence for the sacred waters of the Ganga reflect a live connection to both myth and history across the great subcontinent of India. —

Sudipta Sen, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2025 Out of these mixings will come magnificent horrors and amazements. —

Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 3 Feb. 2025 Bonifacio, Corsica What is perhaps the Med’s most magnificent natural harbor is surrounded by some of its most dramatic cliffs. —

Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for magnificent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent

Adjective

Our groceries are full of glorious winter citrus, which adds brightness to this ethereal dessert, which is bound to entice your Valentine.

— Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The latest immersive work from documentary master Claire Simon takes us into Makarenko, a public elementary school in the Parisian suburb Ivry-sur-Seine, over the course of a school year, staying attentive to the glorious unpredictability of human interaction and the revelations of learning.

— Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025