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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 Hidden in the heart of the forest are the remains of the Convent of Santa Cruz and a grand, extremely photogenic 1907 royal palace (now the Palace Hotel Bussaco). Anna Mazurek, AFAR Media, 26 Sep. 2025 The four friends watch the sunset in silence, the stone terrace of the grand house all to themselves. Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 A lot to offer, a lot to prove Qualcomm’s CEO speculates that personal computers will see a grand shift towards AI workloads. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Sep. 2025 The main house is every bit the grand country residence, with vast reception rooms, an orangery overlooking the placid waters of Lower Lough Erne, and a kitchen that’s equal parts stately and practical. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • All of them have been magnificent.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Oh, and the triumphant return of Jake's magnificent Toruk beast, too.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Greek Yogurt Has More Protein If your main goal is to include more protein in your diet, consider breakfasts featuring Greek yogurt.
    Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2025
  • His main goal behind joining Interesting Engineering is to learn more about how the recent technological advancements are helping human beings on both societal and individual levels in their daily lives.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Britani, who has been all too quiet this whole time, sees an opening to make it about her, and thank god for that.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The belief is that it was gifted by King Umberto, one of the last kings of Italy, to that family, and stayed in the family’s possession for that whole time.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The company also announced plans to close its Kent and Everett locations as part of a larger decision to shut down 60 stores over the next 18 months.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The stylus itself is a bit larger and more rounded than before, snaps to the tablet magnetically, and supports replacement tips.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His aristocratic tastes are reflected in his various building projects, the remains of which have been excavated.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In The Pink Panther, Cardinale starred as the wealthy Princess Dala, whose priceless diamond becomes the target of an aristocratic jewel thief played by David Niven.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Skor bars are a nonnegotiable addition; the cookies have the perfect toffee-to-chocolate ratio and wonderful texture.
    The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Today’s tech news follows; have a wonderful weekend.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The San Francisco 49ers continue to deal with a huge number of injuries, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The victory by the Crimson Tide was a huge relief for coach Kalen DeBoer after a season-opening loss to Florida State.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • However, your best bet for seeing the glorious reds, oranges, or yellows of the oak, hickory, and maple trees along the route will be mid to late October.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And yes, some of them are still only publicly available in glorious 360-pixel formats.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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