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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 The banner was awarded to the Libertyville branch during a grand rally in conjunction with a stump speech for Lincoln’s campaign, according to Barry. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 This means there is no grand entrance, no driveway, no arrival procedure. Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 3 June 2025 His apology to Catherine in the hospital wasn’t some grand redemptive moment. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 June 2025 Rather than crying, the resilient bride smiled and waved at everyone as she was wheeled out of the party on a gurney, where guests gave her a grand exit at the back of the building with wedding sparklers. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • In four days his radical, magnificent Broadway reworking of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. will be competing for seven Tony Awards, including one for his direction, one each for his two stars Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, and one for Best Musical Revival.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The golden flying snake bears two main color morphs — a green-yellow form sports bold black streaks and occasional reddish dorsal spots, and another form where the same base hues are overlaid with subtler crossbars.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • It was later expanded to include four main ventilation channels (and some 50,000 smaller shafts) serving seven levels, which could be closed off from the inside with a large rolling stone.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • The tournament will determine once and for all who is the best club team in the whole world.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • But the reality of resisting this kind of company, having found one another again, is a whole different animal.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Researchers have documented large decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants are present.
    Stephen Smith, CBS News, 10 June 2025
  • Monday night's attacks came 24 hours after Russian forces targeted regions throughout Ukraine with more than 470 attack drones -- one of the largest aerial strikes of the war, according to Ukraine's air force.
    Jason Volack, ABC News, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be fooled by its aristocratic interiors—rates start at around $180 per night—and be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s excellent Asturian restaurant, whose dishes spotlight local ingredients like sea urchin caviar and smoked Los Caserinos cheese.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • But instead of roaming around 18th century Europe fueled by an aristocratic family fortune, today’s Beautiful People (also called the BPs) are traveling the world and soaking up culture courtesy of big luxury brands.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Into this mid-1980s maelstrom stepped the fanzines and a wonderful array of titles.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 June 2025
  • Though not a traditional kids’ movie by any stretch, there’s still a lot of wonderful Dignan-esque scheming involved in Mr. Fox (George Clooney) stealing from the adjoining farms of Boggis, Bunce, and Bean, and the film has the warmth of an old Rankin-Bass production.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The other co-main event features the champion Peña as a huge underdog against Harrison.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025
  • During a period of huge tax cuts, from George W. Bush in 2001 through the present, there was gross fiscal irresponsibility inflicted by both Republicans and Democrats.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In the meanwhile, Stabler is incredibly rash and approaches Tanner with just a flak vest and a radio headset over his fancy suit and glorious dome.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

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