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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 If mosquitoes are interrupting your grand summer plans of hosting outdoor parties in your backyard, a natural remedy might be in store for you. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025 Owners and drivers, hearts and minds To realize Li’s grand visions, U Power must secure hundreds of viable swap sites in some of the world’s most crowded cities. Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025 Or was Trump's talk about a grand plan for Mars effectively dead when Elon Musk left Washington D.C, and Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead the space agency was thrown out of the airlock? Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 18 July 2025 Because in the grand symphony of automotive manufacturing, this sneaky little data gremlin slipped past quality checks, and the deviation was written off as statistical noise. Raghu Para, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
  • The mansion’s marble stair hall focuses on a magnificent clock, designed by White and Saint-Gaudens, built into a wall and surrounded by the figures of the zodiac.
    Henry Wiencek July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • Messer, 39, has been spending his days walking the halls of both Dell Children's main campus in East Austin and its North Austin hospital.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami measuring 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) was detected in Tokachi, on the southern coast of Hokkaido, the northernmost of the country’s main islands.
    Mari Yamaguchi, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • The history of chicken wings still sparks a debate, but the dish arose in the 1960s and flourished in the 1980s as the cooking of whole chickens declined and consumers began preferring chicken breasts in entrées.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Responses ranged from poignant to hilarious—after all, learning how to take care of a whole new human while still healing physically and emotionally is an experience that often hits both those emotional notes all in the space of a day.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • The vehicle crashed through a block wall and left a large hole in the side of the building, according to Lee and photos from the scene.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
  • The company also sold off the Iams pet food business; its Duracell battery business and spun off a large portfolio of more than 40 beauty brands, including Clairol and Wella hair coloring and CoverGirl makeup.
    Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Both Giulio, who comes from a Sicilian aristocratic family, and Ketty, who is more lower class, use lots of drugs — pot in particular.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 July 2025
  • Luxury travelers can check into the aristocratic haven of Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli as soon as April 1, with superior rooms starting at 1,320 euros.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Israel’s military took journalists to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing where hundreds of boxes of aid were on pallets filling a huge lot.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • So, my ability for my flat serves not only to be coming in at 145 [mph] but also rising above his shoulders is huge.
    Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, Bath is a glorious English city that seduces with its honeyed townhouses, stately colonnaded crescents, swish spas, and timeless Roman relics.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
  • Season 5 was — to put it mildly — a glorious train wreck.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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