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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 Johnson's ownership stake in TKO Group Holdings, Inc., remains relatively minor in the grand scheme of the company's overall structure. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 The initiative aims to preserve the architectural and historical integrity of the Romanesque revival church and includes the restoration of a 3,000-pipe grand organ. Adrian Sainz and Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 The movie was a grand showcase for all six Monty Python members and their equally hilarious collaborators, who combined their skills to create a sketch comedy film for the ages. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Its once-rich timber and cotton shipping industries gave the town a big boom during the mid 19th century, and the resulting ornate Victorian homes and grand architecture are stunning vestiges of that time. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Ashford Castle – Ireland Originating from the 13th century, the magnificent Ashford Castle has a rich history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand luxury retreat adorned with antiques and artwork.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The main building, which was completed in 1932, has a magnificent 293-foot dome covered in real gold leaf.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The space, which is located at 1415 4th Ave. had housed offices and a spa in the past, and because of this the layout includes a large main area and multiple smaller 10-foot by 13-foot rooms.
    Virgie Tovar, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Bills will very likely want to find someone who can offer more versatility somewhere else while being their main returner, and running back might be the best place to find one.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Packed up his whole life, sold his house, gave up his job, and was on the cusp of a new life.
    Maureen Maher, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The command center overhead stocked a whole town’s worth (450 tonnes) of equipment — including bunk beds, dry toilets, water, and other supplies — ready to be mobilized into the tunnels below by way of dolly carts.
    Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Shahani also believes Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand can grow with the new QX80 and upcoming QX60 large and midsize SUVs, respectively.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In the mid-2000s, the fracking revolution took off, making the US the largest oil and natural gas producer in the world.
    Umair Irfan, Vox, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The original show’s focus was Thomas Ravenel and Shep Rose, two male members of the aristocratic class in South Carolina.
    Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But by the 18th century the Republic of Venice was in decline, and some aristocratic families, though still noble in name, had lost much of their wealth and could not afford a substantial dowry.
    Manuela Callari, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Katy Perry reportedly sang ‘Its a wonderful world,’ Gayle King beamed in zero gravity, as Lauren Sánchez—pilot, philanthropist, and Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, led Blue Origin’s first all-female crew to the edge of space.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • There’s the potential to still reach 94 points, which might not quite have the same sheen to it as the 99 points achieved by Liverpool’s last title-winning side in 2019-20 but should still be recognised as a wonderful achievement.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Scammers convince you to take cash to a bitcoin ATM Her story highlights one huge red flag that consumers must watch out for these days — how scammers are convincing you to take cash to a crypto ATM at the local party store, gas station or grocery.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • When Sheinbaum was six years old, the military, on the President’s orders, attacked a huge student protest in the Three Cultures square in Mexico City.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But Campbell spoke in such a way that Patriots fans could put aside the arm length/wingspan jabber for just a bit and embrace New England’s glorious past while daydreaming about a promising future.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Mallorca may be known for its nightlife, its glorious beaches and lately, unfortunately, some of its tourism growing pains.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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