Definition of grandnext
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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 Production-wise, the set, costumes and lighting design can be as grand and busy as the script. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026 Photos showed that everyone was having a grand time during Monday night’s game. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026 Similar to the runner-ups, the grand winner will also receive a $15,000 check to help with taxes. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026 Double doors open into the foyer, where a grand staircase winds up to the bedrooms. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Sitting within the magnificent 350 acres estate of Ashford Castle, The Lodge at Ashford Castle overlooks magical Lough (lake) Corrib.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Its magnificent buildings, erected over the centuries, reveal the splendors of British architectural history.
    — Ashley Baker, Vanity Fair, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The delay again has created a potential cash crunch for districts during the wait for their cut — often a main revenue source for local governments — and added to the pile of complaints about the county’s decade-long property tax system upgrade.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • This sandwich gives main character energy, but don’t skip over the other items available at BoJaynes, from specialty spices to wraps.
    — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike Christian priests and medicine men, who generally command respect, rainmakers are sometimes seen as malicious people who retaliate against whole communities for quarrels with their neighbors.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After Sheeran’s controversy following the Macklemore removal, the whole family wasn’t onboard anymore.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Justice Department and FCC have approved the transaction without asking for any concessions or remedies — an unusually hands-off approach for such a large horizontal merger.
    — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Sep. 2026
  • China’s trade with Africa last year was four times larger than Washington’s with the continent, and that gap looks set to widen after Beijing extended its zero-tariff policy across Africa.
    — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Beatrice’s children do have aristocratic titles, even though Eugenie’s don’t.
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026
  • His family has not endured near the top of the British aristocratic food chain by being critical of the royal household, but Diana's story has changed that.
    — Mark Phillips, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • First, because of the huge jump in salary when Pelle Larsson’s extension kicks in for 2027-28.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • That led to the rest of the tour’s openers and even Sheeran’s backing band for the tour dropping off the tour in solidarity with Macklemore — all of which became a huge news story and PR nightmare for the usually very un-controversial Sheeran.
    — Brendan Menapace, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Another glorious experiment is his Lotus Chorus Workshop, in which prompts challenge the user to try out all kinds of strange sentence constructions, like a literary CrossFit box.
    — Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The result was a glorious bloom of light-brown curls with blond highlights.
    — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 27 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!