Definition of magnificentnext

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

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 Located on a magnificent campus encompassing more than 27,000 acres in Rome, Ga. Jason Armesto, AJC.com, 30 May 2026 For the more adventurous, the hike up Hurricane Ridge affords magnificent vistas of both the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island. Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 30 May 2026 The feeling of jumping into the spring all sweaty and sore was magnificent. Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026 From a magnificent season that has been described as a winemaker’s dream, this wine has a nose of blackberry, clove, and milk chocolate. Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • But the nation honored by the glorious moment still retains the power of recovery and renewal praised by Douglass.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
  • Some of you aren’t ready for this conversation, but McCartney’s past two decades have been the most glorious creative roll of his post-Beatles life.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Kornet played six minutes, missed all three of his shot attempts and finished with only two points, but the block was an epic moment.
    Tim Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • The Destroyer simply lacked the magic and ambition of the original, feeling light and camp instead of serious and epic.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • The mountain makes a majestic backdrop for Gergeti Trinity Church, a 14th-century gem perched 7,120 feet above sea level.
    Lori Rackl, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
  • Lamb’s majestic, three-run blast helped USC rout Lamar 19-6 to keep the Trojans alive at the College Station Regional.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Wembanyama and the Spurs look far more imposing than Jokić and those Nuggets did two years ago.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • But five-piece Lelek, adorned with markings historically designed to fend off threats from the Ottoman Empire, still make for a formidable, imposing, and curiously bewitching presence.
    Jon O'Brien, Vulture, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mullin took over from former Secretary Kristi Noem in March after she was fired not long after lawmakers pressed her about the department’s massive spending.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The massive red-brick building opened in 1900 and 12 million immigrants passed through its halls before the island closed in 1954.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • His eyes were on her, inviting her to be proud of his verticality.
    Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • Popovich will undoubtedly be proud, thrilled and probably not too surprised.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Eventually, your eyes come to rest on the hotel’s facade—an impressive grid of local stone and wooden louvers that is Urquiola’s ode to the oeuvre of Rationalist architect Giuseppe Terragni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The dam, a five-year construction job that was completed in 1936 during the depths of the Great Depression, is often hailed as one of the nation’s most impressive works of infrastructure.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The monumental paintings tower in both scale, conceptual depth, and technical skill.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
  • Technical hiccups aside, the Chicago show was an exceptional kickoff to what looks to be a monumental tour of the year.
    Mark Braboy, VIBE.com, 31 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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