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
Example Sentences
a majestic pillar of society who continues to entertain in grand style
a majestic Egyptian pyramid that has enthralled travelers for aeons
Recent Examples on the WebWhen the climax finally came, the music spilled over into a grand, sweeping melody with full orchestration, which sounded like a routine Western film score for a majestic scene on Indian territory.—Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2023 Trending Videos From the sandy dunes and stunning ocean views of the Outer Banks to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina's natural beauty is awe-inspiring.—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2023 In this sweeping and majestic experimental doc, director and cinematographer Ron Fricke attempts to capture the meditative pulse of, well, the entire globe.—Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Mar. 2023 The majestic reception hall has a stunning marble staircase, complete with marble floors, and an opulent chandelier hanging from the ceiling.—Rebecca Aizin, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2023 This pro-surfing documentary series is back for its second season, with footage that is perhaps even more sun-soaked and majestic than before.—Margaret Lyons, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2023 These majestic woodlands survive in fragments across the country, hosting a wide range of wildlife and creating a very special environment.—Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 13 Feb. 2023 With their muscled magnificence, their majestic insouciance and their courage in battle, lions have always been among our most salient symbols of ferocity and power.—Mark Jenkins, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Jan. 2023 Take in the panoramic view of the rugged coastline, the majestic cliffs and the grassy hills that together form a jaw-dropping landscape.—CNN, 21 Dec. 2022 See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'majestic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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