majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈje-stik 

: having or exhibiting majesty : stately

majestic mountains

majestically

mə-ˈje-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• classy
• courtly
• elegant
• fine
• graceful
• handsome
• refined
• stately
• tasteful

Choose the Right Synonym for majestic

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

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

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of majestic in a Sentence

a majestic pillar of society who continues to entertain in grand style

a majestic Egyptian pyramid that has enthralled travelers for aeons

Recent Examples on the Web

At the young age of 31, Gian Vittorio Baldi won an award for Best Short Film at the majestic Manzoni Theater, with its celestial, golden ceiling in the epicenter of beauty, Milan, located in northern Italy. —Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

The night sky will reveal stunning sights such as the craters of the Moon, the majestic rings of Saturn, the swirling bands of Jupiter, and other astronomical wonders. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024

The majestic bird will join other national symbols including the great seal of the United States and the U.S. flag. —Jeremy Yurow, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024

Meanwhile, fires deep in pristine parts of the Amazon reminded researchers that drought might be breaking down the majestic mechanism that moves water inland across the rain forest, and in the Antarctic there were signs that the melt of crucial glaciers was accelerating. —Bill McKibben, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈjes-tik 

: being stately and dignified : noble

majestically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb