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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand are roughly equivalent. However, 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 can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

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

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

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 grand Funston: Apologies for the boring answer, but not really any grand lessons learned. Jay Felicio, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025 With David Benner, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird, the Yankees addressed their biggest weakness in grand fashion while also keeping an eye on the future. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2025 The present is the grand and majestic age of mechanical invention. Betsy Golden Kellem, JSTOR Daily, 30 July 2025 Utah Valley is known for its gorgeous landscape and beautiful homes — but few new builds are as inspired by history and grand tradition as the home built by Grove Homes that recently won a Judge’s Choice Award in the 2025 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • But patriarchy is magnificent this way, a perfect predator.
    Neko Case July 24, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Messer, 39, has been spending his days walking the halls of both Dell Children's main campus in East Austin and its North Austin hospital.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • The history of chicken wings still sparks a debate, but the dish arose in the 1960s and flourished in the 1980s as the cooking of whole chickens declined and consumers began preferring chicken breasts in entrées.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Responses ranged from poignant to hilarious—after all, learning how to take care of a whole new human while still healing physically and emotionally is an experience that often hits both those emotional notes all in the space of a day.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • The vehicle crashed through a block wall and left a large hole in the side of the building, according to Lee and photos from the scene.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • Across Indianapolis, construction crews seem to be everywhere, working on projects that will improve life for residents, boost the capacity for the city to host large events or serve the city's professional sports teams.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both Giulio, who comes from a Sicilian aristocratic family, and Ketty, who is more lower class, use lots of drugs — pot in particular.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 July 2025
  • Luxury travelers can check into the aristocratic haven of Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli as soon as April 1, with superior rooms starting at 1,320 euros.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Powering spacecraft, especially out in the dark, cold outer solar system, is a huge challenge.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 26 July 2025
  • On Thursday, Israel’s military took journalists to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing where hundreds of boxes of aid were on pallets filling a huge lot.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, Bath is a glorious English city that seduces with its honeyed townhouses, stately colonnaded crescents, swish spas, and timeless Roman relics.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Season 5 was — to put it mildly — a glorious train wreck.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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