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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 To the English ear, domaine sounds like a grand name for what here at Domaine Potterat is, like most Lavaux wineries, a quintessentially small family run operation. John Oseid, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 Those who believe in this kind of thinking might say that line items on USAID’s ledger are only of minor consequence in the grand scheme of things. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 24 June 2025 The architectural showstopper, flanked by grand Corinthian arches, is considered one of the British capital’s most elegant and exclusive addresses, a magnet for high-profile names past and present. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 June 2025 Its plan is roughly akin to the state of Illinois taking out a home equity loan and refinancing its mortgage, albeit on a grand scale. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • And while in Reims, be sure to visit the magnificent Cathédrale de Reims.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Guest stars like Bob Odenkirk, Andy Samberg, Sam Richardson, and Patti Harrison bring magnificent energy to their segments, but the show's success primarily hinges on Robinson's unique sensibilities as a performer.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Harper isn’t devoid of faults, with the two main ones being his defensive focus and inconsistent jump-shooting.
    Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The investment firm said Advanced Auto Parts might be losing market share to its main rivals and that the stock appears to be trading at an extended valuation.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The study area covers the high seas of the whole Atlantic Ocean, from 65 degrees South latitude to 65 degrees North latitude and from 90 West longitude to 25 East longitude.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • But an even better story, in the whole grand scheme of things is this: In front of our eyes, and once and for all, the league got younger, and in a big way.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 23 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
  • The annual parade, which marks the unofficial start to summer, is the largest art procession in the U.S. since its start in 1983.
    Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • While Nancy Mitford’s life was all aristocratic escapades splashed across the gossip pages, Bessie Carter has a penchant for German techno and British electronic-music festivals, comfy T-shirts on her days off, and a nebulizer for her vocal cords.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 18 June 2025
  • Related Articles Fresh off designing the priest’s robes for the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, the designer with aristocratic roots took another deep dive into the history of France.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Colleagues, mentors and friends are wonderful sources of feedback.
    Kim Salem-Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • These tender, buttery peas are wonderful in any number of dishes, but our new favorite just might be this black-eyed pea dip.
    Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • But this scraping has sparked a huge backlash from publishers, artists and writers, who complain that it has been done without any consent or compensation.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 1 July 2025
  • These benefits from huge Green Pine-series radars for early warning and to help cue fire control sensors towards incoming threats.
    Sebastien Roblin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Find a theater near you and soak in that glorious AC while catching a flick or two to beat the heat.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
  • There's nothing quite like basking in the sun on a glorious, care-free vacation day.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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