Definition of statelynext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

The words imposing and stately are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for stately?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

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 stately The event marked the 90th anniversary of Fendi, flanked by an exhibition at the company’s headquarters at the stately Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana. Luisa Zargani For Wwd, ARTnews.com, 11 June 2026 Antique furnishings and high ceilings give it a stately feel, with plenty of decor ideas to bookmark—starting with the lace canopy curtains in the bedroom. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 9 June 2026 The stately eight-bedroom home underwent $2 million worth of renovations in 2001 and hit the market for rental at $20,000 a month. Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026 Most stately Southern porches around the lake had a variation of gingham check on porch swings, rocking chairs, or cushions to complement their patriotic bunting. Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed.
    Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The soft petal puff sleeves add a graceful detail that elevates the silhouette, while the breezy fit keeps it comfortable for summer weather.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
  • So graceful and powerful, without feeling tawdry.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • This trail and several others with magnificent towering rain forest and coastal views can be found at this 2,484-acre state park a 10-minute drive south of Cannon Beach.
    Molly Allen, Travel + Leisure, 21 June 2026
  • Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • What to Do on Bear Lake Merely looking at the water is only one way to enjoy majestic Bear Lake; it’s also known for incredible swimming, with several areas featuring a gradual slope that allows visitors to easily enter the water.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 June 2026
  • Every one of the four tiers of this majestic ground, the highest so high and steep that some fans were covered in darkness as the floodlights didn’t reach them, was packed.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The stakes are high, the KGB agents are handsome, the intelligence is deadly and the costumes are groovy.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 17 June 2026
  • This handsome portable stands out for its incredibly bright and colorful OLED display and full aluminum chassis, giving it luxurious curb appeal at a near-budget price.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some shows were educational, some were pure, glorious junk food for the mind, and others became cultural touchstones.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 22 June 2026
  • The immortalisation of the World Cup’s greatest side The Brazil team that won the World Cup in 1970 is widely considered the best in international history, with the side immortalised by a glorious style of play, the advent of colour television and their blazing yellow shirts.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The men, both in formal suits, appear jovial despite their opposing political views, with smiles spreading on their faces.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Management cited its recent formal launch of FedEx Life Science, which provides specialized transportation services for the health-care industry, where packages can be both time- and temperature-sensitive, as well as accelerating growth in artificial intelligence.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Evening dining features an elegant dress code, with the exception of the casual lobster bake held on Fridays.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
  • These summer-flowering bulbs produce elegant, tall spikes of flowers that contrast well with the more traditional bloom shapes of dahlias.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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