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

• 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

As a result, his vocals have a kind of stately yet starry-eyed quality, giving structure to these deformed, cosmic beats from the internet abyss. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Sep. 2025

Previously the seat of colonial government, its stately buildings now house cultural institutions. —AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025

East Beach has the best waves, and offers views of the stately Ocean House (and Taylor Swift’s nearby mansion) and across the water, the easternmost end of Long Island, New York. —Julie Tremaine, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Top of the home market In the La Riviera haven on the northern side of Mira Del Rio Drive, next to the American River, lots tend to be larger, the homes stately and the river views unparalleled. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 30 Aug. 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