magnificent

adjective

mag-ˈni-fə-sənt How to pronounce magnificent (audio)
Definition of magnificentnext
as in glorious
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a magnificent mansion that still takes away the breath of visitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective magnificent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of magnificent are grandiose, grand, imposing, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

When would grand be a good substitute for magnificent?

While the synonyms grand and magnificent are close in meaning, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

When is grandiose a more appropriate choice than magnificent?

In some situations, the words grandiose and magnificent 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

In what contexts can imposing take the place of magnificent?

The words imposing and magnificent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

How is majestic related to other words for magnificent?

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

a majestic waterfall

When might stately be a better fit than magnificent?

While in some cases nearly identical to magnificent, 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 magnificent By the break of dawn, the southeastern sky, dominated by Orion and his winter retinue, will be magnificent. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025 But it's been a magnificent experience. —Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025 The inference is that beyond just co-existing with the magnificent beast, the tribe are its descendants. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025 All of them have been magnificent. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
  1. glorious
  2. epic
  3. majestic
  4. imposing
  5. massive
  6. proud
  7. impressive
  8. grand
Adjective
  • Angela Flournoy follows her highly honored first novel, The Turner House (2016), with an illuminating polyphonic exploration of the glorious heights and darkest lows of friendships among four women.
    — Jane Ciabattari September 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Liverpool vs Real Madrid, November 4 From Kevin De Bruyne’s glorious homecoming, to one that could be a more awkward affair as Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to Liverpool just months after leaving his boyhood club for Real Madrid.
    — Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of glorious
Adjective
  • Clark, who knelt beside Foo 30 years ago when the surfer was pulled lifeless from the sea, watched Slebir’s epic ride that day from the back of a Sea-Doo, set up to pull flailing surfers aboard.
    — Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • American growth and opportunity in times like 1836-61 and 1865-1913—and even, sure enough, 1811-12—was epic.
    — Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • Buyers come here for the majestic historic villas and the joy of living in a seaside city full of culture and fabulous food (this is the place that invented pesto).
    — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The costumes, designed by Dede Ayite, were subtle and yet highly symbolic, suggesting the colloquial nature of Yoruba gods, or the epic, majestic nature of our brothers.
    — Essence, Essence, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of majestic
Adjective
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    — Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April.
    — Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • The same goes for its overall profile, though, there’s a lot going on in its front fascia—the side venting is seemingly there for function, but the massive grille is… a lot.
    — Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The mining of coal, for example, unleashes massive amounts of methane into the atmosphere.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko showed off their Cha Cha skills loud and proud tonight!
    — Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The best people aren’t too proud to prove themselves on the ground.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • The team's away record is also impressive, with two wins and one draw, showcasing its ability to perform under pressure in hostile environments.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Also, while the 16 Plus' battery life isn’t class-leading, its 167-nit brightness at our 50% testing setting is impressive, particularly compared with the Asus and Samsung.
    — Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of impressive
Adjective
  • Hollywood loves a grand gesture.
    — Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Smart underwent knee surgery four days later — the same day she was set to open her grand return to Broadway in the one-woman show Call Me Izzy, forcing her to announce a temporary leave.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2025
Definition of grand

Browse Nearby Words

magnificence
magnificent
magnificently
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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