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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 Johnson's ownership stake in TKO Group Holdings, Inc., remains relatively minor in the grand scheme of the company's overall structure. Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 The initiative aims to preserve the architectural and historical integrity of the Romanesque revival church and includes the restoration of a 3,000-pipe grand organ. Adrian Sainz and Travis Loller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 The movie was a grand showcase for all six Monty Python members and their equally hilarious collaborators, who combined their skills to create a sketch comedy film for the ages. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Its once-rich timber and cotton shipping industries gave the town a big boom during the mid 19th century, and the resulting ornate Victorian homes and grand architecture are stunning vestiges of that time. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Ashford Castle – Ireland Originating from the 13th century, the magnificent Ashford Castle has a rich history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand luxury retreat adorned with antiques and artwork.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The main building, which was completed in 1932, has a magnificent 293-foot dome covered in real gold leaf.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The rest of the body's main chakras are located down the five segments of the spine—cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and coccyx—which are governed by the sympathetic nervous system.
    Tony Sanchez, Time, 25 Apr. 2025
  • One study showed that consuming moderate- and high-GI fruits after main meals can improve blood insulin and insulin function.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The command center overhead stocked a whole town’s worth (450 tonnes) of equipment — including bunk beds, dry toilets, water, and other supplies — ready to be mobilized into the tunnels below by way of dolly carts.
    Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In the past half decade, whole strata of this intricate New York support system have been smashed.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Shahani also believes Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand can grow with the new QX80 and upcoming QX60 large and midsize SUVs, respectively.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The world's coral reefs are in the midst of the fourth and largest global bleaching event in recorded history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced this week.
    Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The original show’s focus was Thomas Ravenel and Shep Rose, two male members of the aristocratic class in South Carolina.
    Taylor Crumpton, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
  • But by the 18th century the Republic of Venice was in decline, and some aristocratic families, though still noble in name, had lost much of their wealth and could not afford a substantial dowry.
    Manuela Callari, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington Capitals, won 4-1 against Montreal Last week: 7 Sean: 4 Dom: 9 Pierre-Luc Dubois had a fine first round, but zero goals and two assists were still a step down from his wonderful regular season.
    Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • Big, wonderful, funny, horrible, strange, sad, great life.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • By the time the teams play, Mikel Arteta’s side will either be in a buoyant mood, having edged past Paris Saint-Germain to reach the Champions League final in Munich, or flat, their season of huge promise having failed to deliver silverware.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • That plan was ultimately dumped due to the huge costs — with one estimate of a $92-million price tag — and other logistical issues.
    Lolita C. Baldor, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Adjective
  • The venue: the glorious TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Mallorca may be known for its nightlife, its glorious beaches and lately, unfortunately, some of its tourism growing pains.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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