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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 Behind its stately façade, guests discover an intimate sanctuary where faultless service anticipates desires before they’re even formed. Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 Instead of the stately face that government buildings traditionally presented, International style structures emphasized their large internal spaces which could be more efficiently repurposed as required. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025 What To Do at Jockey’s Ridge State Park Go for High Adventure While viewing and climbing are popular activities, more adventurous folks can use the stately sand formation for more adrenaline-pumping pursuits. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025 Two New York Police Department officers could find themselves in hot water over potential connections to a shocking case of torture in the stately SoHo district of Manhattan. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 May 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
  • Simulating data poisoning, rare clinical conditions and system failures, then automating rollback triggers, ensures graceful degradation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Audiences expect costume epics to be beautiful and kinetic – flying swords, graceful choreography.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia, are the inspiration for much symbolism and interpretation throughout this two-hour journey.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
  • With their actions and proposals, McMahon and the GOP lawmakers have underscored the majestic hypocrisy of the student debt debate.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Refined, elegant food, intelligent service, and a warm living-room-like ambiance make this one of Rome’s top upscale restaurants.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Grace Karin Floral Maxi Sundress, $48 with Prime $60 $48 at Amazon This floral maxi sundress creates an elegant A-line silhouette that shoppers say looks beautiful on a wide range of figures and heights.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Grab a dress that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions while prices start at just $13.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • In a formal address to the Golden State on Tuesday, Newsom ripped Trump and his administration for inflaming an already combustible situation.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • None of that is as interesting as the romance between the novel’s poor orphan Eun-Jae and the handsome prince Yi Beon.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • While at a wedding, Harry (Pascal), a handsome millionaire, starts flirting with her.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.

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