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

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 This magnificent man kept showing up with flowers, leaving sweet cards, washing my car and filling my fridge. —

Kathlene Linehan, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025 Following her magnificent turn as a Sicilian divination witch in Agatha All Along, Patti LuPone is returning to the small screen for another flashy role. —

Nick Romano, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025 Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Victor Hugo's epic tale of justice, love, sacrifice and redemption boasts a magnificent score and brilliant staging. —

Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 1 Jan. 2025 Allen has done a magnificent job of utilizing everyone in the offense from receivers Keon Coleman, Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, and tight end Dalton Kincaid. —

George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnificent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent

Adjective

The glorious few who still worry about the decline of Palm Beach society speculated wildly that Trump was planning to legalize gambling and build a casino, or — the truly frightening possibility — subdivide his acreage and sell houses.

Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025
But its glorious catalog lay in disarray, waiting for an astute buyer willing to mine its precious gems.

Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025