magnificent

adjective

mag·​nif·​i·​cent mag-ˈni-fə-sənt 

məg-

1

: great in deed or exalted in place

—used only of former famous rulers

Lorenzo the Magnificent

2

: marked by stately grandeur and lavishness

a magnificent way of life

The coronation was a magnificent sight.

3

: sumptuous in structure and adornment

a magnificent cathedral

broadly : strikingly beautiful or impressive

a magnificent physique

4

: impressive to the mind or spirit : sublime

magnificent prose

know the truth for the magnificent purpose of becoming free

—Philip Wylie

5

: exceptionally fine

a magnificent day

valley crops were magnificent that year

—Julian Dana

magnificently adverb

Synonyms of magnificent

• glorious
• epic
• majestic
• imposing
• massive
• proud
• impressive
• monumental
• grand

Choose the Right Synonym for magnificent

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 magnificent in a Sentence

the magnificent cathedrals of Europe

He gave a magnificent performance.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Sombrero Galaxy was imaged to magnificent effect by the Hubble Space Telescope — most recently to mark its 35th anniversary in space — which revealed its sweeping disk-like structure and pronounced dusty lanes shining beneath its glowing galactic core. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026

The 33-year-old Lindgren was the hotel’s general manager when the magnificent Hyatt Regency Kansas City opened in 1980. —Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026

There are unexpected combinations, such as an 18th-century bust of a young girl mounted on a black marble column custom-made in a Parisian workshop; both are placed in front of a magnificent sketch. —Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 8 Mar. 2026

These hybrid magnolias display magnificent deep-pink to reddish-purple flowers late enough in spring that frosts seldom damage them. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for magnificent

• munificent

Kids Definition

magnificent

adjective

mag·​nif·​i·​cent mag-ˈnif-ə-sənt 

1

: having impressive beauty

the magnificent cathedrals of Europe

2

: noble entry 1 sense 5

a magnificent character

magnificently adverb