grandeur

noun

gran·​deur ˈgran-jər 

-ˌju̇r, 

-ˌd(y)u̇r, 

-d(y)ər

1

: the quality or state of being grand : magnificence

… the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome.

—Edgar Allan Poe

2

: an instance or example of grandeur

visited the awesome grandeurs of the American West

Synonyms of grandeur

• majesty
• brilliance
• elegance
• glory
• nobility
• magnificence

Examples of grandeur in a Sentence

His paintings capture the beauty and grandeur of the landscape.

They are restoring the hotel to its original grandeur.

Recent Examples on the Web

The gathering has the vibe of a pilgrimage, the preparations unfolding with quasi-religious grandeur. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Nov. 2025

Unlike Tikal in Guatemala, where kings ruled with grandeur, Aguada Fénix shows no signs of royal command. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

Noted for both their artistic merit and market potential, these films used their visual language to illuminate glimmers of humanity amid the turmoil of war, the grandeur of space exploration and the evolving fabric of Chinese society. —Partner Content, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

The promise of this technology lies not in grandeur but in reach. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from grand

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grandeur

• amour
• auteur
• hauteur
• velour
• verdure
• voyeur
• doer
• poor
• poore
• raconteur

Kids Definition

grandeur

noun

gran·​deur ˈgran-jər 

1

: the quality or state of being grand : awe-inspiring magnificence

2

: something that is grand