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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 Where to stay After a chilly evening meander through Christmas in Tivoli, walk 10 minutes back to Nobis Hotel, a 75-room hotel in a grand 19th-century building that was formerly the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 18 Oct. 2025 The grand country house standing in for Chequers in this episode looks more like Balmoral thanks to its dark gray stone facing. Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 18 Oct. 2025 In The Grand Budapest Hotel and Asteroid City, two of Wes Anderson’s grandest films (and my favorites), Anderson used miniatures to create some of the settings. Literary Hub, 17 Oct. 2025 The Evil Queen, Cruella de Vil and other Disney Villains emerged on the castle drawbridge for a song as the grand introduction to a meet-and-greet photo opportunity during the after-hours event that eventually morphed into Oogie Boogie Bash. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Beneath the Sistine Chapel’s magnificent vaulted ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, Charles and Pope Leo XIV prayed together in a special ecumenical service – a first since at least the Reformation.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The latest temporary exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pulling the cover back on one of the planet’s most magnificent animals.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As for Sundance’s main slate of world premiere films, the festival is still heads down screening some half a dozen movies a day ahead of lineup announcements later this fall.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The verdict of the Specialized Criminal Court in the city of Banska Bystrica closes a trial that began in July and whose main question was whether Cintula, who admitted shooting Fico, was guilty of terrorism or less serious crimes of murder or attack.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Cangialosi compared his ability to see the whole field with that of former NFL coach John Madden, another broadcaster with a deep fear of flying.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But perhaps more importantly, Cork Tree helped the band become the therapists pumping through the speakers of a whole generation of skinny jean-wearing teens, igniting the pop-punk and emo music scene into a blazing force for the masses.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Pristine Greenland is potentially home to one of the world’s largest oilfield reserves.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Wearers can view Android apps on a much larger virtual screen than a TV or computer monitor.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite initial criticism that the updates were too aristocratic or extravagant, according to the White House Historical Association, the architecture is now an integral part of the White House’s appearance.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • When both young people meet their end the Baron saves Christina by putting Hans’ brain in Christina’s body, uniting their blurred identities in a joint thirst for revenge, creating a Gothic avenger who hunts down the aristocratic ruffians who ruined their happiness.
    Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Northern Irishman is the first reigning Masters champion to play in the country and as expected, his presence at the Delhi Golf Club has had a huge impact.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Pickleball has quickly become huge in the United States, with nearly 20 million people playing the sport.
    Arundathi Nair, NPR, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the show moves on from its glorious first hour, the last thirty minutes veer toward the saccharine.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In productions large or small — or, here, imperfectly in-between, though still glorious — everything is the service of the show that creates with words, music and movement a grand American tapestry — tears and all.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

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