1
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner
the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in graceful
having or showing elegance
a stately dowager in an evening gown
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3
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception
stately plantation homes that are now open to the public as museums
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4
as in majestic
very dignified in form, tone, or style
a stately composition that has served as the musical accompaniment for countless graduations and other ceremonial occasions
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stately
Behind its stately façade, guests discover an intimate sanctuary where faultless service anticipates desires before they’re even formed.
—
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Instead of the stately face that government buildings traditionally presented, International style structures emphasized their large internal spaces which could be more efficiently repurposed as required.
—Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
What To Do at Jockey’s Ridge State Park Go for High Adventure
While viewing and climbing are popular activities, more adventurous folks can use the stately sand formation for more adrenaline-pumping pursuits.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Two New York Police Department officers could find themselves in hot water over potential connections to a shocking case of torture in the stately SoHo district of Manhattan.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Instead of the stately face that government buildings traditionally presented, International style structures emphasized their large internal spaces which could be more efficiently repurposed as required.
—Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 21 May 2025
What To Do at Jockey’s Ridge State Park Go for High Adventure
While viewing and climbing are popular activities, more adventurous folks can use the stately sand formation for more adrenaline-pumping pursuits.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Two New York Police Department officers could find themselves in hot water over potential connections to a shocking case of torture in the stately SoHo district of Manhattan.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
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The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.—
Bonnie Gross,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2025
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This graceful spurge can be planted in mixed containers or grown as a ground cover in full sun or light shade.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
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In four days his radical, magnificent Broadway reworking of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. will be competing for seven Tony Awards, including one for his direction, one each for his two stars Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, and one for Best Musical Revival.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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With their actions and proposals, McMahon and the GOP lawmakers have underscored the majestic hypocrisy of the student debt debate.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
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Intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia, are the inspiration for much symbolism and interpretation throughout this two-hour journey.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
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And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.—
Emma Bocchi,
Vogue,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.—
Kayti Burt,
Time,
11 June 2025
Adjective
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The formal wardrobe for the men’s and women’s football teams, as well as the men’s basketball team, includes ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will be worn during official representations.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
13 June 2025
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Grab a dress that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions while prices start at just $13.—
Emily Weaver,
People.com,
13 June 2025
Adjective
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None of that is as interesting as the romance between the novel’s poor orphan Eun-Jae and the handsome prince Yi Beon.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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While at a wedding, Harry (Pascal), a handsome millionaire, starts flirting with her.—
Rebecca Aizin,
People.com,
13 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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