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

Lined with stately houses and palmetto and oak trees, this scenic area offers sweeping views of Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter in the distance. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026

Many pop stars mellow into stately eminence in middle age, as Madonna (temporarily) did in her late 30s with 1998’s Ray of Light. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026

With its large curving wooden wall, its red carpet and ceiling full of recessed lights, the space is somehow too stately for the show. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026

The shop is housed in Maryville’s old library building, and the owner nodded to the massive lions fronting the New York City Public Library with the addition of two stately cats to her entrance; the pair also inspired the boutique’s name. —Jennifer Stewart Kornegay, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 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