Definition of grandnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand 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

When can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

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

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, 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 grand More than 70,000 spectators emptied their wallets and bank accounts to witness this grand performance in Inglewood, and many millions more watched Balogun’s heroics on English- and Spanish-speaking networks. Filip Bondy, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026 According to researchers, long before Hadrian selected this location in Italy as his grand countryside estate, these remains likely belong to an earlier villa that was incorporated into the foundations of the Palazzo, which has provided archaeologists with a glimpse into its past. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026 The standout is a grand, otherworldly picture, devoid of human and animal life but suffused with strange light, and the majesty and menace of colossal ice in moving water. Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026 Herzi’s slender, unassuming drama contains few emotional crescendos or grand insights, although this is the rare French film to center on a Muslim lesbian as its protagonist. Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • But even with a magnificent performance from an inspired goalkeeper, there’s no way that this result should have happened, even with Luis de la Fuente’s decision to leave Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams on the bench.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Brunson continued his magnificent game with a drive that drew a foul, sinking both free throws to cut the lead down to two with five minutes to go.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • The fact that every single main cast member is on the ballot suggests that HBO made sure all main cast members were submitted and then allowed recurring performers to submit themselves.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
  • However, that change requires the Green Mountain Care Board, the state's main healthcare regulator, to go through a rulemaking process, which would not be finalized by the start of the coming hospital fiscal year in October, delaying the pricing reform implementation.
    OLIVIA GIEGER VTDigger, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's important, and that's also the whole vibe of the World Cup.
    Dawn White, CBS News, 15 June 2026
  • In the open spaces, people kicked balls around (including my toddler, who blasted a shot past me and knocked over the beer of a Colombia fan who was very, very nice about the whole thing) or found shade under the only tree.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • In Geneva, Switzerland’s second-largest city and a hub of United Nations institutions and humanitarian groups, early results showed about two-thirds of voters in the region opposed the measure.
    Jamey Keaten, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • Spain faces Cape Verde in its first match of the tournament on Monday, in a game it is expected to win by a large margin.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Rather than maintaining aristocratic distance, Nero linked his public image to the virtues and popularity of spectacle.
    Scott Atran, The Conversation, 17 June 2026
  • The wedding was reportedly held for a member of the aristocratic Schwarzenberg family.
    Staff Author, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The campsite is a budget-friendly way to spend a few nights in the area, a wonderful addition given the more luxe vibe of the other spaces that makes this property feel like a real community.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
  • But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • That would deal a huge blow to a state that relies on its top 1% of earners for nearly half its personal income tax revenue.
    Sophie Austin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • So my whole upbringing was hiding and carrying this huge weight and secret.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • As New York wakes up from its two-day weekend bender to a glorious Monday with their Knicks as NBA champions, Wright is only now emerging from his own personal media blockade.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 15 June 2026
  • This sounds glorious, and yet, Horkheimer and Adorno observe, freedom falls to those who are best positioned to grab it.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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