stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
1
a
: marked by lofty or imposing dignity
2
: impressive in size or proportions
stateliness noun
stately adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for stately

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 stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests a stately dowager in an evening gown
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The entrance opens into a stately double-height foyer with a floating staircase. India Roby, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025 Traditional Fall Front Entry An impressive magnolia leaf garland framing this door makes for a stately and traditional fall front entry. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025 In the 1988 New Fashioned, a whiskey cocktail named for the year Vang’s family immigrated to the United States from the Thai refugee camp Ban Vinai, a stately ice cube is engraved with a geometric symbol evoking traditional Hmong embroidery. The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Sep. 2025 His large-scale jars and urns are the most impressive due to their stately size. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stately was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stately. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stately

adjective
state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size
stateliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

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