stately

adjective

state·ly | \ ˈstāt-lē

statelier; stateliest

Definition of stately

1a : marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b : haughty, unapproachable

2 : impressive in size or proportions

Other Words from stately Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about stately

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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

Over the years the stately stone home expanded, with two wood clapboard wings and cottages for visitors. — Christina Binkley, latimes.com, "The Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito opens with a splash," 10 June 2019 The three-story residence features a stately two-story reception foyer with white marble floors and French antique paneling. — Darla Guillen Gilthorpe, Houston Chronicle, "River Oaks home once listed at $16.95 million hits the market at $9.9 million," 5 June 2019 But the stately narrative carried a more rough-edged subtext. — Mark Landler, New York Times, "Trump Insults London Mayor as ‘Loser’ as He Pays Tribute to the Queen," 3 June 2019 Elsewhere in the crowd and contributing to the glamorous brouhaha that echoed through the Frick’s stately rooms festooned with many a François Boucher were Vanessa Traina, Georgina Bloomberg, and Leandra Medine. — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, "There Were Altuzarra Dresses Aplenty at The Frick’s Annual Young Fellows Ball," 23 Mar. 2019 Almost overnight, the city became a French Venice, its stately avenues and boulevards transformed into makeshift canals while basic infrastructure was destroyed. — The Washington Post, NOLA.com, "A drenched Paris manages to just miss the damaging effects of flooding," 27 Jan. 2018 Cheery gingham placemats, durable melamine plates, and a stately plastic pitcher complete the look. — Rebekah Lowin, Country Living, "Wayfair Is Having a Massive Sale on All Outdoor Furniture Right Now," 8 May 2019 Her playing has a sandpapery warmth and a stately power, and often a thick backbone of funk. — New York Times, "14 Pop, Rock and Jazz Concerts to Check Out in NYC This Weekend," 19 Apr. 2018 This year's party, hosted last night at a stately private residence, saw editors, designers, models, and more gather to celebrate the [2018 Fashion Fund finalists[(/article/2018-cfda-vogue-fashion-fund-finalists). — Jasmine Contomichalos, Vogue, "Hailey Bieber Played the Hostess with the Mostess at this Year's Americans in Paris Cocktail Party," 4 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stately.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.