1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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 Mansfield had grand creative ambitions, having been raised by a mother who enrolled her in singing, dancing, and music lessons as a child. Mayukh Sen, The Atlantic, 9 July 2025 The celebration, which drew arts and civic leaders for the first of three preview nights, was far grander than the concert on March 26,1965, that opened LACMA’s Leo S. Bing Theatre the night before the doors opened to the museum’s original galleries. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025 Knowing And Just Like That, the show may be foreshadowing a grand gesture from Aidan that arrives just as Carrie is beginning to have feelings for Duncan. Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025 That’s over a grand savings on a device that came out this year! Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Paleontologists have spent decades hotly debating why such magnificent beasts went extinct, the emerging picture involving a one-two punch of increasing human influence on the landscape and a warmer interglacial climate that began to change the world’s ecosystems.
    Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • The July full moon put on a magnificent show on July 10, rising low over the southern horizon to the delight of stargazers and astrophotographers worldwide.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meander along the Big Bend Scenic Byway and stop along main streets and pull-offs that look interesting.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • The project’s data goes through June 10, and only includes administrative immigration arrests made by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, or ERO, the agency’s main arm that enforces immigration policy.
    Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • What really gives the whole experience its character, though, is the room itself.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • With that insurance, you'll reportedly be covered for theft of the whole bike, theft of components and the cost of a total write-off.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Stablecoins are coming forward as one of the most plausible crypto applications for real-world transactions, and several of the largest retailers globally, including Walmart (NYSE:WMT), are taking note.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • In an aristocratic residence near Cassis on the Mediterranean coast, Camp Joli is prepping itself for its second season.
    Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • Unlike many royal spouses of the past, Princess Kate wasn't born into an aristocratic family with nobility or royal titles.
    Stephanie Petit, People.com, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.
    Kim Salem-Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Favorite collections: Dior, Willy Chavarria, Craig Green, Lemaire and Officine Générale Best show format: The glorious city of Paris and its surroundings were on wonderful display this show season.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • But this scraping has sparked a huge backlash from publishers, artists and writers, who complain that it has been done without any consent or compensation.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 1 July 2025
  • These benefits from huge Green Pine-series radars for early warning and to help cue fire control sensors towards incoming threats.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Held at Palisade’s Riverbend Park, this event is a glorious celebration of our state’s wine scene.
    Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
  • Hit the ground running like Iron Man with this line of coffee in all its glorious forms — pods, instant, ground, and whole bean.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!