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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 Yet, neither one of those reasons is why an all-day festival filled with music performances, fireworks and a grand parade will take over Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 June 2025 Set in 19th-century Paris with grand sets, cabaret scenes, and atmospheric visuals, the story follows an old scholar who sells his soul to the devil for youth and love, leading to tragedy. Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025 In the grand scheme of things, the distorto-plugg takeover isn’t that deep—these two cultural bubbles (comedic 808 extremism and actual rap music) should be able to coexist in harmony. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025 In his video he can be seen walking through Union Station’s grand plaza, passing other visitors unnoticed. Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all.
    Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Israel hit Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and struck the heart of its ballistic missile program, Netanyahu said.
    Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • While the official investigation is still underway, early video and expert reviews have pointed to a few main theories.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • There isn’t much of anything positive to point to in this whole saga.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Two designers lost their whole shops, while others lost machinery and inventory.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Never mind that the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union was the largest women’s organization in the U.S. and provided public speaking opportunities for women at a time this was almost unheard of.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 June 2025
  • Over the past 10 years, the number of renters aged 65 and older has surged by nearly 30 percent, adding 2.4 million senior renters across the country—by far the largest growth of any age group, according to new research conducted by Point2Homes.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Period dramas like Bridgerton, The Gilded Age, and Downton Abbey have fueled a global obsession with aristocratic living—but the real stars of these shows may be the homes themselves.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 June 2025
  • The Odeon was built in the 2nd Century for musical events and meetings of the aristocratic council.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 20 June 2025
  • It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • To lose one legend before a huge Test series could be put down to misfortune, but losing two looked anything but careless for India at Headingley, where two of the younger faces of their batting lineup stepped comfortably into the shoes of giants.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • The prize money the club will receive, which is huge compared to prize money domestically and in the OFC, could further add to its dominance in New Zealand and Oceania, and skew the balance domestically and regionally.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • For contemporary art with cocktails and pizza, head to the glorious gardens at the Four Seasons hotel with an ongoing sculpture exhibition and a lovely terrace restaurant. 3.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
  • The Park Ji-hoon cameo K-dramas have a glorious tradition of random actor cameos shoehorned into the main plot in creative ways.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

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