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 Remembering a life, and its details Inside, in the grand chapel of the funeral home, ranchera and Mexican music could be heard. Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026 Picture yourself in a grand historic venue with thousands of music fans. Bija Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 The e-mail in question, from November 20, 2020, outlined something less than a grand conspiracy. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 Hathaway calls his grand endeavor Freedom Square, roughly a set of old Baltimore streets — West Lanvale and Division streets and Druid Hill Avenue. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Pico Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers centre-half recruited on LinkedIn, at the heart of Cape Verde’s defence was magnificent.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Also, the arena operates with one main kitchen; the hope is to have kitchens on all three levels to enhance fans’ concession experience.
    Jason Quick, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Tourism – the island’s main economic lifeline – was down 58% in the first five months of 2026 compared with the year before.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • After a couple of rounds of throwing up and an evaluation by the doctor, Coop is okay, but the whole thing puts a fright into the crew, and especially into Joy.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
  • Startlingly, the strikes appeared to move in a geographical line from the northeast to the southwest, flattening whole neighborhoods in a way that suggested little differentiation between civilian and military structures.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • The answer is likely to come this week as the panel considers the world’s largest blackwater wetland, located in Georgia’s southeastern corner, as a World Heritage Site.
    Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • Brent climbed nearly 16% last week, its largest weekly rise since April, and European benchmark natural gas prices saw their highest close since March, according to Deutsche Bank.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Hotel Due Mari, a 17th-century aristocratic villa formerly owned by the marquesses of Bolasco, sits between Sestri’s two bays.
    Catherine Sabino, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Diana, a virgin born into an aristocratic family, was seen as an ideal match for the future king.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • And this World Cup was about Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and all of Spain’s wonderful passers.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • To be in, like, the very first episode to the last, a show that is now being spun off to other stories, that is so wonderful.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Their fans have provided the electricity of this tournament, travelling in huge numbers, turning Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas into oceans of blue and white.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Notable quote There is a huge amount of animosity, every single day, thrown at trans kids.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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