stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

1

a

: marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b

: haughty, unapproachable

2

: impressive in size or proportions

stateliness noun

stately adverb

Synonyms of stately

• imposing

Choose the Right Synonym for stately

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 stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

a stately dowager in an evening gown

Recent Examples on the Web

Pair a deep red with golden yellow to evoke the sense of a stately English manor, a relaxed French country cottage, or a beautiful Tuscan villa. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 2025

The New Yorker loves and fetishizes its traditions (the monocled fop Eustace Tilley, that stately but sensual Adobe Caslon font), but the magazine’s ultimate tradition is cutting through the scrim of contemporary noise to look reality in the eye, presenting it to the reader with a no-fuss vibrance. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Dec. 2025

The best tree collars and tree skirts disguise the more functional mechanisms while giving your presents a more stately place to be on display. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

The flux and passion that have shaped Siesbye’s life can feel at odds with her stately works, which invite stillness and meditation. —Ayşegül Savaş, New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Rhymes for stately

• innately
• ornately
• pinnately
• sedately
• greatly
• lately
• precipitately

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun