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

From Chaplin to the 'Jaws,' our local movie palace is known for its grandeur, $2 popcorn and recliners. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 23 Jan. 2026

The grandeur of Boxley’s influence is conveyed by his terse, oracular speech. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026

The scenic coast enclave of Newport, Rhode Island, is no stranger to historic grandeur, but even in this rarefied locale, Boxcroft stands apart. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2026

And Vienna does them very well, waltzing visitors around on a grand tour of 18th- and 19th-century neoclassical grandeur. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

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