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

With Matt Damon as Odysseus, accompanied by Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Mia Goth, in this stately rendering of Homer’s classic, the 2027 Oscar campaign surely begins now. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026

With its elegant galleries, the museum has long, stately halls adorned with historic portraits, sweeping columns gracing the exterior, and wings dedicated to various time periods and cultural movements. —Kat Stinson, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025

Serwall Outdoor Dining Table Set This sturdy, stately dining table from Serwall is made of stainless steel and patterned with a wood grain. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

While the Range Rover’s exterior is handsomely stately, the interior makes the vehicle. —James Raia, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 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