Definition of grandnext
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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 Joseph Baena's grand debut on the bodybuilding circuit just got grander. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026 No bold vision is immune to the forces that can slow and even stop the delivery of the infrastructure that supports that grand idea. Gia Biagi, Chicago Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026 If Powell’s story has lacked some grand formative struggle, the NBA may be supplying one now. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 4 Apr. 2026 Shaqir O’Neal made his grand entrance as coach Mike Bibby’s first recruit at Sacramento State on the eve of the season. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • The journey is a true adventure that includes moderate to challenging hikes, but the reward is a wild, unspoiled jungle with magnificent wildlife encounters—Osa Peninsula hosts approximately 50% of all of the species found in Costa Rica.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Bring part of that magnificent collection of art to the community.
    Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The rooms There are a dozen entry-level rooms in the curvy main building, and several outrageously large residences and villas right on the beach.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • For the tribe, its main objective is to repatriate the remains of their ancestors — a process that often involves gathering the remains and artifacts and burying them together in a spot on the site that cannot be disturbed.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The board began to shake and flash purple; my whole body jiggled.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The Hornets return nine players after eight seniors graduated, including the return of their whole pitching staff and five returning starters on the field.
    Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many players also opt for deferrals and large signing bonuses (as opposed to a higher salary) to avoid paying income tax in certain states.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Video shows a car striking a large trash bin before slamming into the building.
    Abby Dodge, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Because the feudal courts, chivalric codes, and aristocratic patronage that had sustained it were gone.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The poisoning of a champion stallion opens an investigation that starts to expose tensions and secrets inside an aristocratic horse breeding dynasty.
    Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The teams got invaluable data — and some wonderful video too.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Books Are Magic, a wonderful bookshop owned by novelist Emma Staub, alone could suck up an entire morning.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There are some really great ones on the market these days, a huge advancement past the egg crate toppers our parents used.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nola said he was unfazed by taking the mound with a huge lead.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • For All Mankind is back and rarin’ to go, kicking things off with the glorious return of the season-opening catch-up montage.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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