stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

1

a

: marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b

: haughty, unapproachable

2

: impressive in size or proportions

stateliness noun

stately adverb

Synonyms of stately

• imposing

Choose the Right Synonym for stately

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

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

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

a stately dowager in an evening gown

Recent Examples on the Web

Think of a stately Colonial framed by old trees and rolling lawns, a long dirt driveway, and the kind of quiet that only a rural property can offer. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025

The dwelling’s entrance opens into a spacious foyer set up as a study, furnished with a stately wooden desk and a leather armchair. —Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025

In contrast to the stately Taurids, the Leonids are speedsters, rocketing through the Earth’s atmosphere at hundreds of thousands of miles an hour. —Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2025

Relax in the Spanish-style courtyard garden, or take a dip in San Antonio’s largest heated pool, all while surrounded by a rich blend of historic architecture and stately palm trees. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Rhymes for stately

• innately
• ornately
• pinnately
• sedately
• greatly
• lately
• precipitately

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun