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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 College aspirations and realities Percy Julian Middle School sits on a block surrounded by tidy older homes and stately brick apartment buildings in Oak Park. Jackie Valley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025 Later on, the English playwright Noël Coward and his partner John C. Wilson, a Broadway producer, owned the stately spread, and over the years, several stars of screen and stage used Pebbles as a summer getaway, including Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Richard Rodgers. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 May 2025 Shift in your seat for glimpses of the stately Washington Monument, just two long city blocks away. Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 28 May 2025 Bring stately elements into your existing space with the defining features of Federal-style architecture. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.
    Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • This graceful spurge can be planted in mixed containers or grown as a ground cover in full sun or light shade.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • In four days his radical, magnificent Broadway reworking of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. will be competing for seven Tony Awards, including one for his direction, one each for his two stars Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, and one for Best Musical Revival.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • With their actions and proposals, McMahon and the GOP lawmakers have underscored the majestic hypocrisy of the student debt debate.
    Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • Intelligent talking animals ruled by the majestic King Aslan, the great lion of Narnia, are the inspiration for much symbolism and interpretation throughout this two-hour journey.
    Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
  • And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.
    Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • The formal wardrobe for the men’s and women’s football teams, as well as the men’s basketball team, includes ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will be worn during official representations.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
  • Grab a dress that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions while prices start at just $13.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • None of that is as interesting as the romance between the novel’s poor orphan Eun-Jae and the handsome prince Yi Beon.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • While at a wedding, Harry (Pascal), a handsome millionaire, starts flirting with her.
    Rebecca Aizin, People.com, 13 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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