STATELY Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'stately' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose , grand , imposing , magnificent , and majestic . While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement. // the stately procession

Q: When can 'grand' be used instead of 'stately'?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity. // a grand staircase

Q: Where would 'grandiose' be a reasonable alternative to 'stately'?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When would 'imposing' be a good substitute for 'stately'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'magnificent' instead of 'stately'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately , magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste. // magnificent paintings

Q: How is 'majestic' related to other words for 'stately'?

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

stately

adjective

ˈstāt-lē

Definition of stately next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in graceful

having or showing elegance a stately dowager in an evening gown

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

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

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for stately?

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

a majestic waterfall

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 stately Knightsbridge, a district defined by its stately architecture and proximity to Hyde Park, was once home to prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, who lived in a sprawling mansion that hit the market back in 2024 for a stunning $86 million. —

Tori Latham, Robb Report, 5 Feb. 2026 In combination with the waist-cinching belt, the lapel collar balances your figure for a flattering fit and stately appearance that can take you from work to the weekend. —

Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026 No matter how cool the list of nominees for Best Rock Song gets, the award goes somewhere buttoned up and stately. —

Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026 Posters of rock bands were replaced with pictures of Serbian saints and stately World War I generals. —

Aleksandar Hemon, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately

Adjective

The team had already excavated the other three corners of a narrow tomb occupied by an imposing, unnamed sarcophagus.

— CBS News, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
The most imposing building on Main Street is a gun shop called Chandler’s Firearms Estates, on the corner of East Church Street.

— Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025

Definition of imposing

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stateliness

stately

statement

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“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of stately

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