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 The Movie stinks in a thousand relatively minor and noncommittal ways that end up feeling so much worse than a grand and more personal disaster would. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 In the video, giving viewers a tour of his grand creation like a latter-day Robert Moses, Tomlin seems blissed out, like the keeper of some ancient wisdom. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026 When Abul Oyay Deng Ajak moved into The Baobab House in 2019, there was no grand plan for the small redbrick home with a large, leafy tree standing in the courtyard. — Patricia Huon, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026 Still grand, but with more of a contemporary interpretation of luxury that takes in the region’s growing modern design and cultural scene. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • James, along with Sawitskas and his pals, want the carousel to be restored to its original glory, a magnificent, gleaming merry-go-round that inspired Disney to dream.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Opposite the magnificent eighteenth-century Grand Théatre, the 150-room Regent Grand perfectly mirrors the aristocratic elegance of this lovely city, thanks to the exquisite interiors of designer Jacques Garcia.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Saudi Arabia kept its main international airport closed and moved Riyadh schools online on Sunday after a deadly strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels the day before.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Our main focus is on J & J’s Innovative Medicine pharma segment.
    — Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Her interest seems to be the whole world, or at least the way her nation’s tentacles spread into it.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The directive bars brands from turning a benefit tied to one feature into an environmental claim about the whole product.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The owner of The Armoury, a four-unit men’s retailer with locations in New York and Hong Kong, has acquired his largest brand, named a new creative director and launched a second career as a pseudo real estate developer.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The sink basins are large enough, however, the stopper (plug) at the sanitizer basin does not work and water continuously flows.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Kumari plays Sahibjaan, born in a graveyard to a courtesan who was spurned by her husband’s aristocratic family.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The new European aristocratic romance, which has its world premiere at international TV conference Mipcom tonight, ditches the fairy tale for a more realistic take on an ordinary girl who finds her prince.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.
    — Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The account has more than 13 million followers, giving whoever controlled it access to a huge audience and the credibility that comes with Microsoft’s name.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For a family living in poverty, having a home can make a huge difference in the fight for survival.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The horn takes center stage in Mozart’s Quintet, rising to a glorious fanfare.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • To hear Silicon Valley tell it, artificial intelligence will usher in a glorious new era of abundance.
    — Ming Lu, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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