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 This does not appear to be some grand conspiracy. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026 Vance once entertained grand ideas of putting workers on corporate boards, as in Germany, and letting unions negotiate across an entire industry at once, as in Scandinavia, rather than company by company. Idrees Kahloon, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026 This was meant to be the season that its grand plan to fight at the front in F1 came to fruition. The Athletic, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Pencil in May 9 as the grand re-opening date for the Campbell Library. Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • There are unexpected combinations, such as an 18th-century bust of a young girl mounted on a black marble column custom-made in a Parisian workshop; both are placed in front of a magnificent sketch.
    Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 8 Mar. 2026
  • These hybrid magnolias display magnificent deep-pink to reddish-purple flowers late enough in spring that frosts seldom damage them.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The district’s major facilities overhaul is set to bring freshman students back into Neuqua’s main building starting in 2027, which will free up Birkett to house a number of district programs.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Hitting this target should be your main priority in the months ahead.
    Christine Benz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The whole Irwin family was helping out at the camp except perhaps the one with the best hands of all, his sister, Ava, the reigning Southern Section Division 1 flag football player of the year as a freshman at JSerra who was busy at a flag football competition.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Fiber-rich carbs like whole wheat bread, whole oats, brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes are great choices for breakfast.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Employers pared back hiring last year to cope with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves’ payroll tax rises and large increases in the minimum wage.
    Irina Anghel, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The new report adds to a growing body of work that indicates climate change is having a quicker and larger impact on the planet than scientists have understood.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Under the law, the remaining earls, viscounts and dukes who inherited their seats in the chamber along with their aristocratic titles will leave Parliament for good when the current session concludes this spring.
    Peter Weber, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026
  • On Tuesday night, members of the upper chamber dropped objections to legislation passed by the House of Commons ousting dozens of dukes, earls and viscounts who inherited seats in Parliament along with their aristocratic titles.
    Jill Lawless, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The state should leave well enough alone and let the Connecticut homeschool community educate their children in many wonderful ways.
    Nicholas Tampio, Hartford Courant, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Another wonderful spot is McIntire Park, especially the Dogwood Vietnam Memorial section.
    Abby Price, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Everyone’s broken, so the collective strength of the cast in keeping us on our toes about where this is all headed is a huge plus.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Rich-girl flip-flops Flip-flops underwent a huge glow-up last summer, graduating from a beachside afterthought to a genuine fashion statement.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • They’re revived — buzzing, even; at the glorious point in the caffeinated beverage where everything is beautiful, nothing hurts and at least one of them feels like a creative genius.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Premature pruning will remove flower buds, thereby depriving you of those glorious flowers.
    David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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