grand

adjective

ˈgrand How to pronounce grand (audio)
Definition of grandnext
1
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception the grand ceremonies that typically mark the opening of the Olympic Games

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2
as in main
coming before all others in importance won the grand prize

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3
as in whole
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it the grand total comes to $350

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4
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind in the grand ring of the three-ring circus stood the lion tamer himself

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5
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station everyone wanted to be seen with Palm Beach society's grand dame

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6
as in wonderful
of the very best kind that picnic in the mountains was simply grand

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7
as in huge
unusually large before them lay a grand treeless plain that stretched as far as the eye could see

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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 Remembering a life, and its details Inside, in the grand chapel of the funeral home, ranchera and Mexican music could be heard. — Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026 Picture yourself in a grand historic venue with thousands of music fans. — Bija Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 The e-mail in question, from November 20, 2020, outlined something less than a grand conspiracy. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 Hathaway calls his grand endeavor Freedom Square, roughly a set of old Baltimore streets — West Lanvale and Division streets and Druid Hill Avenue. — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
  1. magnificent
  2. main
  3. whole
  4. large
  5. aristocratic
  6. wonderful
  7. huge
  8. glorious
Adjective
  • The gods speak obtusely, even in Nolan’s script, but this magnificent epic leaves us with the ability to heed their meaning.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
  • While hiking trails will be a challenge for those with mobility issues, the main thoroughfare through Muir Woods will not be and invites everyone to enjoy these magnificent trees and space.
    — Kimberley Lovato, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • Also, the arena operates with one main kitchen; the hope is to have kitchens on all three levels to enhance fans’ concession experience.
    — Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Tourism – the island’s main economic lifeline – was down 58% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the year before.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • After a couple of rounds of throwing up and an evaluation by the doctor, Coop is okay, but the whole thing puts a fright into the crew, and especially into Joy.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
  • Startlingly, the strikes appeared to move in a geographical line from the northeast to the southwest, flattening whole neighborhoods in a way that suggested little differentiation between civilian and military structures.
    — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of whole
Adjective
  • The answer is likely to come this week as the panel considers the world’s largest blackwater wetland, located in Georgia’s southeastern corner, as a World Heritage Site.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Brent climbed nearly 16% last week, its largest weekly rise since April, and European benchmark natural gas prices saw their highest close since March, according to Deutsche Bank.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • As models walked out into the museum gardens with an air of aristocratic tradition, the show became exquisite, almost cinematic.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The Sunday Times has reported claims about Farage’s financial relationship with George Cottrell, an aristocratic, crypto-gambling entrepreneur and on-off aide to the Reform UK leader.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of aristocratic
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    — Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    — Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Their fans have provided the electricity of this tournament, travelling in huge numbers, turning Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas into oceans of blue and white.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Notable quote There is a huge amount of animosity, every single day, thrown at trans kids.
    — Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 July 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of glorious

Phrases Containing grand

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grammatical
grand
grandam
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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of grand for Spanish Speakers

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