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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 a way, Schiffmann has simply said aloud the truth of many AI leaders’ grand vision. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025 As the first Four Seasons on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the resort makes its grand entrance just in time for the vibrant cultural season, including art exhibits and performances at Artis — Naples and the Naples Winter Wine Festival in January. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025 His grand return will come at Coachella next year. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 4 Oct. 2025 In 1961, when the stalwart but homely Volvo PV444/544 (built from 1944 through 1965) still had four model years of life left, Volvo introduced one of the most gorgeous grand tourers of the new decade. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • All of them have been magnificent.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Get the magnificent biscuit, served in a puddle of garlic honey with cultured butter ($6).
    Peter Cameron, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Those designing the new main building decided to cut that association, the aim being to make the first-team facilities an area players must aspire to enter.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, Zacapa, the premium main sponsor of spirits at LAFS, will once again present the Visionary of the Year Award during the summit’s closing cocktail ceremony.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Second, ensure the whole executive team fully buys into the idea and holds others accountable for implementation.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Which is not always easy, given that Bellingham is ultimately a player for dominant moments and sudden bursts rather than someone who controls whole games.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Each bedroom is big enough to hold at least a full-size bed, if not larger, and there’s room to add some type of storage—a must-have for families who want to go tiny.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Jessica Capshaw as Blythe HartCapshaw plays Blythe, Don's wife and the matriarch of an aristocratic Nashville family.
    Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025
  • His aristocratic tastes are reflected in his various building projects, the remains of which have been excavated.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The ‘Mahabharat’ enabled by AI is a wonderful example of how tradition and technology can work hand in hand.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Again and again, striking out into the unknown led to wonderful new possibilities, making my life grow larger and deeper.
    Sarah Chamberlain, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • More pertinently, if Iroegbunam or Gueye tired or did not screen passes correctly (shown below), Rogers and Emiliano Buendia had huge spaces to receive and turn, owing to Everton’s deep centre-backs refusing to step out.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Mason had a huge game against the Bengals in Week 3, racking up 116 yards and two touchdowns on two carries.
    Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Marigolds are one of fall's most glorious (and underrated) flowers.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
  • In the early nineties, the halcyon days of mountain biking, a cadre of American cyclists competed all over the world on these glorious if archaic machines.
    Frederick Dreier, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

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