majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈje-stik How to pronounce majestic (audio)
: having or exhibiting majesty : stately
majestic mountains
majestically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for majestic

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

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 Web When 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of majestic was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near majestic

Cite this Entry

“Majestic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/majestic. Accessed 1 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

majestic

adjective
ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈjes-tik How to pronounce majestic (audio)
: being stately and dignified : noble
majestically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on majestic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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