grandiose

gran·di·ose | \ ˈgran-dē-ˌōs

, ˌgran-dē-ˈōs \

Definition of grandiose

1 : characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration They did not believe his grandiose claims.

2 : impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope, effect, or grandeur had grandiose plans for the city

Other Words from grandiose Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about grandiose

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Choose the Right Synonym for grandiose

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 grandiose in a Sentence

He was full of grandiose ideas. a grandiose plan to upgrade the entire interstate highway system in 10 years

Recent Examples on the Web But The Traitor rampages through monstrous events, including revenge killings of many family members; Buscetta’s sensual, luxury-loving wife, played by Maria Fernanda Candido, endures an especially grandiose assault. — Armond White, National Review, "The Traitor Reimagines the Gangster Film and Modern Morality," 31 Jan. 2020 What is most likely to sour the public on immigration are the grandiose universal freebies that Sen. Warren and other contenders for the Democratic presidential nomination want to shower on everyone. — Shikha Dalmia, TheWeek, "The lie of the immigrant welfare queen," 28 Jan. 2020 Visitors coming from Switzerland encounter a grandiose arch marking the frontier. — The Economist, "Goodbye casino, hello smugglers A tiny Italian exclave unwillingly joins the EU’s customs union," 2 Jan. 2020 This grandiose parade takes place along Spring Garden Highway in Bridgetown, the island’s capital. — Anquanette Gaspard, Essence, "7 Soca Filled Events That Should Be On Your Radar in 2019," 30 Dec. 2019 These verses were volleyed off onto grandiose Billboard-topping studio albums, knotty mixtapes scavenged by backpack rap nerds, or the projects of his countless collaborators at a breathtaking rate. — Time, "Mac Miller's Posthumous Album Circles Is a Heartbreaking Plea For Inner Peace," 17 Jan. 2020 The word conjures up images of grandiose palaces and extravagant celebrity dwellings, but those homes won't be found in Louisville — at least, not at an affordable price. — Emma Austin, The Courier-Journal, "'Affordable mansion'? Louisville has more than most cities, new ranking says," 6 Dec. 2019 Often that means highlighting cases where Tesla hasn't lived up to Musk's grandiose pronouncements. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Why customers love Tesla despite its many mistakes," 5 Oct. 2019 Early in the new millennium, the EU’s eastward expansion, transatlantic rifts and a mild economic climate together produced a wave of grandiose claims about the European model’s sunny future. — The Economist, "Reading the cards," 14 Nov. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grandiose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.