Definition of grandnext
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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 For gardens with an olde California vibe, wander the grounds at Filoli, the grand estate in Woodside, then maybe drive over Highway 92 to Half Moon Bay for the quaintest, sea-shanty-ist spot on the coast. David Hochman, Forbes.com, 5 June 2026 But then, for his next trick … Monday back in Anaheim … Siri pulled off another fun grand-slam feat. Jayson Stark, New York Times, 5 June 2026 No movie — big or small, popular or unpopular, even horror or non-horror — is safe from the beloved parody franchise's grand return to the big screen. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 June 2026 To celebrate America's 250th, a grand home in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, held reminders of the birth of an entire town while honoring faiths from around the globe. Kim Hudson, CBS News, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • The hotel houses a magnificent collection of 20th-century prints and drawings which hang throughout the bedrooms and public spaces; spot the Picasso and the Cocteaus in the Picteau Lounge Bar.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • The Italian Lounge, for example, has a magnificent blue-and-gold ceiling imported from the Grimation Palace in Florence in the late 19th century.
    Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Kevin Cook, the venue’s main host and inarguably the reigning queen of drag in Portland.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • Pashinyan’s main rival is the Strong Armenia Party, which wants closer business ties with Russia and accuses Pashinyan of attempting to spark a war with Moscow.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • The whole world relied on our labor, but none of us felt any sense of accomplishment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
  • The drums were louder, the extra kick drums hit harder, and the whole song felt … Blacker.
    Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, VIBE.com, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • The largest open-air living history museum in the Shenandoah Valley is expanding to include an indoor gallery space by 2027.
    Staff, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • So do the large pink or queen conch, the fighting conch, the tulip band shell, the helmet shells and the cask shells.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Blending aristocratic grandeur with youthful energy, the imagery aims to celebrate individuality rather than uniformity, the company noted.
    Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
  • This area of the Oltrarno is one of huge contrasts where artisan workshops stand meters from the grand palazzi whose aristocratic owners once employed cabinet makers, picture framers, furniture painters, and upholsterers to decorate their opulent homes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The eighth-inning bomb was huge, too.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the nation honored by the glorious moment still retains the power of recovery and renewal praised by Douglass.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
  • Some of you aren’t ready for this conversation, but McCartney’s past two decades have been the most glorious creative roll of his post-Beatles life.
    Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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