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 program has been contending with the declining availability of grand funding and trying to figure out, with the help of volunteers, a path to sustainability. Graham Womack may 9, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026 For his inspired stewardship, Cox, who died Saturday at the age of 84, several years after suffering a stroke, won widespread acclaim as one of the greatest managers the grand old game has ever known. Mark Bradley For The Ajc, AJC.com, 9 May 2026 At this point, Fulmer said, the fate of the grand old house feels like a mystery. Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026 Consistency, effort and emotional reliability become far more attractive than grand gestures or empty excitement. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Afterwards, cross the road and wander the magnificent university that inspired Hogwarts.
    Riza Cruz, Vogue, 11 May 2026
  • This week, the Archaeological Museum at the University of Stavanger in Norway announced its recent acquisition of a magnificent sheath, thanks to a curious hiker out for a walk one morning.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • One of the book’s main themes is that trauma and damage, like red hair or skill with animals, can be handed down from one generation to the next.
    Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • Two smaller structures rise to six floors each, alongside the 20-story main tower.
    Adam Williams May 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • From South India and Sri Lanka come emphatic roasts and stews, the pageantry of lamprais (a whole meal baked in banana leaf) and lacy hoppers, fermented rice flour pancakes with sides that slope upward as if in bloom.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • The whole pitch falls flat if WWE just stacks the card with names already over — there's nothing to learn about Oba Femi's audience pull when his Raw run already has the building behind him.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Trinidad and Tobago conducts significant oil and gas exploration activity both on land and in shallow waters, and is one of the Caribbean’s largest producers, according to official information from Trinidad’s Ministry of Energy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
  • The smallest player on the floor is putting up the largest numbers.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • My father, a boy, sat in the back seat with his brothers and Choute—Duchess of Montmoreau, née de Troguindy, a beautiful and aristocratic woman who went by this single childhood nickname.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 May 2026
  • News articles and photos of the casual picnic enamored Americans, transforming their view of the royals as rigid and aristocratic to more down-to-earth.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Drag is a wonderful and versatile art form that offers joy and freedom of expression.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • It’s been really wonderful to have you on today.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Again and again worked Friday night for Blanco, who produced an RBI and triple for Oak Lawn in that huge third to spark a 22-6 victory over host Crete-Monee in five innings in Crete.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • That will also be a huge difference from the Orbán regime, when there was no responsibility or consequences of any crime, any political mistake.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • In Key West, grab a cold one at the famed Sloppy Joe’s bar, see the famous five-toed cats at the Ernest Hemingway Home, dive into history at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and watch the glorious sunsets at Mallory Square.
    Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
  • Tulip The Sun's glorious shift into fiery Aries marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
    Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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