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 In the grand scheme of things, nobody cares what the science-and-culture writer at Ars Technica thinks about this film. — ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026 In September 2026 Huang and a few collaborators uploaded a proof that the historic equations represent a single case of a much grander geometrical theory. — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026 What was once an exhausting logistical trial has become the first chapter in a grand Antarctic journey. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026 Her Gilded Age character lives in a grand Upper East Side brownstone, but where does Christine Baranski live? — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Turning slowly, Snyder saw a magnificent bull with heavy mahogany antlers walk into the clearcut.
    — Rich LaRocco, Outdoor Life, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The film, set in the magnificent highlands of Montenegro’s Sinjajevina plateau, centers on Gara and her 13-year-old daughter Nada.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • His main instinct is to pull out a wad of bills and fling it in their faces.
    — Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Early Friday, a drone carrying four missiles destroyed the transformers at Shendi’s main substation, the local security committee said.
    — Hamza Fahmy, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Their Superman hadn’t bothered to spring for the whole costume.
    — Téa Obreht, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Panera’s Greek yogurt with mixed berries was also listed, and the chain’s ham, egg and cheese on whole-grain bread was one spot ahead of the McDonald’s Egg McMuffin.
    — Sadie Chafe, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • However, scaling these tiny components into larger, functional superlattices has been tough.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill eliminated the estate tax, which applies to the wealth of large estates.
    — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Hélène was born into a world of Russian nobles in exile who transposed their aristocratic geography onto the suburbs of Paris (Meudon, where Hélène grew up, became Miedonsk) and whose Russophone children only began learning French at school.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026
  • And yet these engravings are informed by the artist’s signature subversive irony, incorporating French aristocratic styles to elevate Haitians bent on destroying French colonial power.
    — Elisa Turner, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The eatery, famous for its ornate interiors, huge portions and even huger calorie counts, has been thrust into the 2026 midterm elections.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Nakase changed her starting lineup in a move that paid huge dividends after Golden State fell behind 2-1, inserting Kaila Charles and Tiffany Hayes and bringing Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini off the bench.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • All evening, it is excellently placed for telescopic viewing of its glorious ball and rings.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • But her story was neither a glorious adventure nor a laughing matter.
    — Ethan Teekah All, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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