1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

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

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately, 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 stately?

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

a majestic waterfall

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 stately At Fort Myer, adjacent to the cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington, the caisson detachment had been performing the solemn, stately ceremony since 1948. Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025 Eventually, the army retook Paris, and the stately buildings were reconstructed. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Apr. 2025 Housed in a stately historic building, the hotel’s architectural bones are complemented by fresh and energetic interiors. Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The ornate, stately building echoes with women’s history, even as its current leaders infuse it with future purpose. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As with most new pursuits, our learning curve was steep and our movements the antithesis of graceful.
    Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Coastal live oaks stretched their long branches into a graceful embrace.
    Francine Kiefer, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Their odd-couple pairing became a magnificent slow burn of hatred into grudging respect into genuine affection, making for a tantalizing will-they-won't-they.
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These are magnificent achievements that propel Hellebuyck beyond back-to-back Vezina Trophy consideration and into Hart territory while proving that Connor and Scheifele can score while playing better defence than earlier in their careers.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fed from glaciers on Mount Shasta’s majestic slopes, Mossbrae Falls cascades out of lava tubes and down mossy cliffs into the Sacramento River in ethereal curtains of mist, sending rainbows dancing in all directions.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Mu Cang Chai's overlapping high and low terraced fields in Yen Bai province, Vietnam, create a majestic yet romantic landscape, breathtakingly beautiful especially during the yellow rice season.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The classic Dutch bike-style step through frame is perhaps one of the most elegant imaginings of a bicycle.
    Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But Campbell spoke in such a way that Patriots fans could put aside the arm length/wingspan jabber for just a bit and embrace New England’s glorious past while daydreaming about a promising future.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The venue: the glorious TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Snag casual frocks and formal gowns in floral patterns and pastel hues, with prices starting at $25.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • However, according to King Law Group, formal approval can only be granted through a physical notice mailed to the petitioner’s address.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Nest Learning Thermostat is a handsome, effective device, one that arguably kickstarted the smart home revolution with its simple usability and gorgeous design.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The story finds the singer playing two characters, a devoted young Catholic woman pining for a handsome street musician and a sultry flamenco dancer.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 23 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!