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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 After securing his first Western Conference Finals appearance against, who else, but Alexander-Walker, Gilgeous-Alexander described the opportunity to play against his cousin on such a grand stage. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 21 May 2025 For their final beat of the episode, everyone moves outside to see the grand lighting of the restaurant’s sign, which reads, The Muster. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 20 May 2025 Every little helps, obviously, but in the grand scheme of things, slipping down a spot on the final day won’t hurt too much in domestic terms. James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025 Employee recognition does not always mean a grand gesture. Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • In one of his only performances as an ostensibly normal guy, Cruise brings magnificent dirtbag energy to War of the Worlds' Ray, a working-class deadbeat dad whose one weekend with his kids (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin) overlaps with an alien invasion.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • Heart rate rises, breath softens, and eyes glue to this magnificent 500-pound mammal that could rip me to pieces with the simple swipe of its striped paw.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its main funders are the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW – and returning main partner ZDF Studios.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 19 May 2025
  • This addition sees another key member of the iconic D-Generation X (DX) faction contributing behind the scenes, joining Triple H, who heads main roster creative, Shawn Michaels, who is in charge of NXT creative, and Road Dogg, currently working as a co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even worse, the only salmon for sale with the butcher counter closed is a $50 whole side of salmon—leaving me to sub in some pretty inexpensive pork chops instead, five chops for a mere $5.
    Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 18 May 2025
  • Activities include: Farm Tours: Have fun with the whole family and take a hands-on tour of the Hōkūala farm.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Redditor described living in a large suburban community surrounded by woods, where wildlife like foxes and bears are common.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 18 May 2025
  • Of the largest companies – those with 20,000 or more employees – 70% cover IVF.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Historical memory Even before the conflict was over, aristocratic Anglican writers such as Sir Richard Musgrave spun the rebellion as an uprising of disgruntled Catholics.
    Joseph Patrick Kelly, The Conversation, 20 May 2025
  • Just six years ago, the Times Square Alliance temporarily installed a similarly monumental statue by the artist Kehinde Wiley, who rose to stardom for his aristocratic portraits of contemporary Black people.
    Andrew Keh, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Tesla sales have experienced a huge international decline, leaving room for competitors to gain momentum.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • My stockpile of research was huge in relation to that.
    Nia Shumake, Essence, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • The wedding went off without a hitch, a glorious event on a glorious August day.
    Lian Dolan, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Slauson Rec treats those glorious early days, filled with endless promise and all-access star adjacency, in a way that mirrors the students’ own swooning.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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