grandiose

adjective

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 Did you know? More Example Sentences Learn More About grandiose

Other Words from grandiose

grandiosely adverb

grandioseness noun

grandiosity \ ˌgran-dē-ˈä-sə-tē

\ noun

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

Did you know?

Grandiose, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, and grand all can mean very large and impressive. Grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity, as in "a grand staircase." Magnificent implies an extreme and impressive largeness 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, and 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").

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 They were commemorated in stone, both modest and grandiose. — Karen Heller, Anchorage Daily News, 19 Apr. 2022 They were commemorated in stone, both modest and grandiose. — Washington Post, 19 Apr. 2022 How could there be anything wrong with this grandiose and iconic coach? — Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2020 His mind kept racing -- grandiose visions about what’s ahead. — Chris Fedor, cleveland, 7 Feb. 2022 Tech giants are rushing to fill this gap with grandiose visions such as the Metaverse, a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on social connection. — Taylor Wade, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2022 For a few hours, the Neom team showed me around and made grandiose promises about the future. — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2022 Rundgren initially thought of the album as a parody of Springsteen’s grandiose style. — Hillel Italie, courant.com, 21 Jan. 2022 Rundgren initially thought of the album as a parody of Springsteen’s grandiose style. — Hillel Italie, Anchorage Daily News, 21 Jan. 2022 See More

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.