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
  • For me, the highlight of last week’s season premiere was not the wildly overblown fight between Shannon Beador and Tamra Judge, but all the glorious flashbacks to a time when RHOC wasn’t borderline unwatchable.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Players compete to build massive engines of profit and production to transform Mars into a livable habitat, all in the glorious name of cutthroat capitalism.
    — Alan Bradley, Space.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of glorious
Adjective
  • Both are powerful spots of natural beauty and deep cultural significance, but for a less solemn outing, the little islet of Ojima sits neatly between the two.
    — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
  • After seeing corrupt cops rewarded with medals and politics debase his best friend, now the courts can’t even be trusted to perform their solemn duty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of solemn
Adjective
  • Finalists, who have just been announced, have captured magnificent shots of everything from fish protecting their young to human impact – good and bad.
    — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In Sterling’s determination to get the Lotus running and to drive it come what may, Tregenza presents the need for speed as a magnificent obsession and the thrill of physical experience as a spiritual quest.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • Lederer, 67, has a long and impressive history in independent watchmaking, having been a distinguished member of the prestigious Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants (AHCI) since 1985.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The distinguished Indian fashion brand Sabyasachi has partnered with New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for a new line of jewelry inspired by the institution’s vast collection.
    — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinguished
Adjective
  • That epic coming-of-age drama ended with its main character leaving his transient childhood behind and moving into his dorm room at college.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Every time that epic foursome is onstage together, the whole crew leans in.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • The normally staid, stiff-upper-lipped British public was first bereaved.
    — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Still, it’s been 10 years since the wordmark was updated, and in the current fruit fly life cycle of frenzied tech rebirths, that’s almost staid.
    — Aurich Lawson, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of staid
Adjective
  • Her royal butler, Paul Burrell, would take it upon himself sometimes to hide the more unpleasant stories.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The palace announced Meghan's pregnancy shortly after the couple arrived in Sydney for their royal tour that October.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 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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