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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 If mosquitoes are interrupting your grand summer plans of hosting outdoor parties in your backyard, a natural remedy might be in store for you. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 July 2025 Owners and drivers, hearts and minds To realize Li’s grand visions, U Power must secure hundreds of viable swap sites in some of the world’s most crowded cities. Clay Chandler, Fortune, 19 July 2025 Or was Trump's talk about a grand plan for Mars effectively dead when Elon Musk left Washington D.C, and Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead the space agency was thrown out of the airlock? Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 18 July 2025 Because in the grand symphony of automotive manufacturing, this sneaky little data gremlin slipped past quality checks, and the deviation was written off as statistical noise. Raghu Para, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Scottie Scheffler romped to a magnificent four-shot victory to seal his first British Open title at Royal Portrush on Sunday, notching his fourth major success.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
  • The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit.
    Rabbi Moishe Kievman, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tournament grounds feature three main retail sites: the Centre Court Shop, the No. 1 Court Shop and the Museum Shop, along with five express shops and an additional nine kiosks.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The popularity of body mists comes down to three main things: affordability, versatility, and nostalgia.
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Working anaerobically brings on a whole host of benefits, including boosted cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, and energy levels, as SELF previously reported.
    Jenny McCoy, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Was Justin Bieber pulling a long con on us this whole time?
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cannon told the publication, citing how Jones reportedly left each of his children large inheritances.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 July 2025
  • In 2020, Latinx students were the largest group of Californians admitted to UC schools for the fall academic term, a critical turning point in the history of the system and a step closer to reflecting the changing demographics in an increasingly diverse and global society.
    Taryn Palumbo, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Marten, 38, grew up in a wealthy, aristocratic family with ties to the royal family.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • Audiences online have reveled in this pivot from Hoult, whose aristocratic vibe has made for great period dramas but never juiced his off-duty style.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Powering spacecraft, especially out in the dark, cold outer solar system, is a huge challenge.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 26 July 2025
  • On Thursday, Israel’s military took journalists to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing where hundreds of boxes of aid were on pallets filling a huge lot.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • But fall offers another harvest season — a glorious harvest season.
    Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025
  • There are few things as glorious as a perfect summer night spent at a music festival, listening to your favorite artists as the sun sets at golden hour.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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