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

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

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 model wore an off-white peasant blouse with ruffled sleeves, a leather studded corset, teal and white bloomers, and a magnificent ruffled cape. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2025

And the blossoms were not just magnificent but a reminder of the possibility of renewal. —Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025

The right Antarctic cruise offers magnificent views of the White Continent, off-ship excursions like kayaking and snowshoes, and luxury accommodations to keep you comfortable. —Ashton Palmer, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2025

In August, at the Mamawata Surf Retreat in Costa Rica, kayakers had a magnificent close call with a breaching whale and her calf. —Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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