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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand are roughly equivalent. However, grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience, but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose hydroelectric projects
grandiose schemes

When can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grand After securing his first Western Conference Finals appearance against, who else, but Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander described the opportunity to play against his cousin on such a grand stage. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025 For their final beat of the episode, everyone moves outside to see the grand lighting of the restaurant’s sign, which reads, The Muster. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 May 2025 Every little helps, obviously, but in the grand scheme of things, slipping down a spot on the final day won’t hurt too much in domestic terms. James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025 Employee recognition does not always mean a grand gesture. Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • In one of his only performances as an ostensibly normal guy, Cruise brings magnificent dirtbag energy to War of the Worlds' Ray, a working-class deadbeat dad whose one weekend with his kids (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin) overlaps with an alien invasion.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • Heart rate rises, breath softens, and eyes glue to this magnificent 500-pound mammal that could rip me to pieces with the simple swipe of its striped paw.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • In a statement on social media, the hospital said the attack resulted in severe damage to its main building.
    Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025
  • Greenwood never played for his boyhood club again, despite the charges being dropped in February 2023 when the prosecution’s main witness withdrew her cooperation.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • The tournament will determine once and for all who is the best club team in the whole world.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • This is a classic dish from the Sichuan region where the whole duck is marinated and then hot smoked over tea leaves and wood.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Bars often use multiple types and shapes, including shaved, cracked, crushed, cubed and large ice cubes and spheres, both produced in molds.
    Isidoro Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • The trend is particularly striking across younger age cohorts; Gen Z drinks less than prior generations at the same age, and millennials hold the largest share of no-alcohol drinkers, according to IWSR.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be fooled by its aristocratic interiors—rates start at around $180 per night—and be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s excellent Asturian restaurant, whose dishes spotlight local ingredients like sea urchin caviar and smoked Los Caserinos cheese.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • But instead of roaming around 18th century Europe fueled by an aristocratic family fortune, today’s Beautiful People (also called the BPs) are traveling the world and soaking up culture courtesy of big luxury brands.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Your wonderful dog may or may not hanker to break routine and go on holiday.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Okonkwo made a huge impression in north Wales and his move was made permanent last summer on a free transfer.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Lamine’s extension is another huge statement from FC Barcelona After seeing Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha all commit in the last few months, tying down Lamine is another huge statement from President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In the meanwhile, Stabler is incredibly rash and approaches Tanner with just a flak vest and a radio headset over his fancy suit and glorious dome.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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