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

There’s just something about repackaging cinematic grandeur in a chintzy tech package that lets all the air out of the balloon. —Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026

The South is home to dozens of beautiful college campuses, but few measure up to the grandeur and scale of Berry College in Rome, Georgia. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

The subterranean site, which closed 80 years ago, is noted for its architectural grandeur with chandeliers, glass skylights and tiled vaulted tunnels. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 31 Dec. 2025

The spot combines that classic MFG pizzazz with a Lake Como–style grandeur, an ideal combo for its perch within the Bellagio. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 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