august

adjective

ȯ-ˈgəst How to pronounce august (audio)
Definition of augustnext
1
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner unsurprisingly, the head of the bank is an august white-haired gentleman

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in glorious
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception an august golden anniversary celebration for the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 august Tut-tutting about how the president and his minions have turned an august judicial process into an over-the-top spectacle is not going to get them anywhere, especially with their otherwise reliable media allies. — Matthew Walther, TheWeek, 17 Jan. 2020 The metropolitan elitism that looks down from the august heights of Ivy League self-esteem on the centrality of athletic programs to so many colleges is quite entrenched. — Gerard Baker, WSJ, 17 Jan. 2020 At the moment, the Oscars reflect the Academy, but the Academy reflects nothing but its august name; plausible deniability and the shunning of responsibility are built into the current system. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 15 Jan. 2020 Most were faculty, august scholars and artists, but W, a singer with a staff job, was also part of the circle. — Longreads, 2 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for august
Recent Examples of Synonyms for august
  1. imposing
  2. glorious
  3. solemn
  4. magnificent
  5. distinguished
  6. epic
  7. staid
  8. royal
Adjective
  • Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.
    — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
  • The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition.
    — Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself.
    — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.
    — Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of glorious
Adjective
  • Preservationists also say that the arch’s scale would overwhelm the solemn character of Arlington National Cemetery.
    — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 19 July 2026
  • Nolan’s more solemn final act attempts too much and doesn’t develop some key moments.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Pico Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers centre-half recruited on LinkedIn, at the heart of Cape Verde’s defence was magnificent.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • In 2024, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana’s highest honor bestowed by the governor as a personal tribute given to those who have rendered distinguished service to the state or to the governor.
    — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
  • Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of a distinguished American marine biologist at his home in the central Philippines, police said Thursday.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • Greeks will tell you that Homer’s epic tale with its themes of hospitality, loyalty, feasting, and homecoming is still a true reflection of Greek culture today.
    — Heidi Fuller-love, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
  • Idda takes an epic approach to unearthing the packed layers of a stewing friendship.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • In the stadium, the individual performances felt underwhelming, and the mood in the crowd was relatively staid.
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 19 July 2026
  • Our signature line wasn't built by chasing trends—it was built by identifying a segment of a staid industry that no one had done before, so that every launch genuinely advances our position.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of staid
Adjective
  • Prince George, who turned 13 on Wednesday, will join classmates at the all-boys boarding school, which holds a deep significance for the British Royal Family and has a long-standing dress code for all of its students, royal or not.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
  • In recent years, the royal family has faced numerous health challenges.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026
Definition of royal

Browse Nearby Words

augury
august
augustness
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Cite this Entry

“August.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/august. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on august

Nglish: Translation of august for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about august

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