stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
Synonyms of statelynext
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 historic heart of Savannah is best experienced by strolling, drifting between the squares with stately old homes, cafes, shops and churches. Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026 The stately stone manor house at the heart of the private idyll was built around the turn of the 20th century for the Sulzberger family, the longtime publishers of The New York Times. Mark David, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2026 Built as a resort for 19th-century nobility, the town still has plenty of stately vistas, particularly striking after a snowfall. Andrew Fedorov, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026 In 1899, a French entrepreneur named Gustave-Émile Dumoutier petitioned Hanoi’s local government, then a colonial possession of France, to develop a stately hotel on the corner of Henri-Rivière boulevard. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026 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 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

stately

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

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