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

No matter how cool the list of nominees for Best Rock Song gets, the award goes somewhere buttoned up and stately. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026

Apart from the logistical challenges, the setting demands a certain stately nostalgia. —Shamilee Vellu, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2026

Spanx AirEssentials Brushed Full-Zip Jacket Not to be missed, this zip-up jacket — complete with an ultra-soft brushed interior and stately mock neckline — offers a more sophisticated take on travel day dressing. —Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026

Posters of rock bands were replaced with pictures of Serbian saints and stately World War I generals. —Aleksandar Hemon, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026

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