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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
  • 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
  • The hiccup for me this time was the whole medical part.
    Bruna Papandrea, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025
  • That’s a real problem, not just for animation but the whole industry.
    Kevin Giraud, Variety, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • The quarterly rebalanced mix of large, mid, and small-cap RV Portfolio stocks provided a flexible approach to capitalize on favorable market conditions while mitigating losses when markets decline, as elaborated in RV Portfolio performance metrics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 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
  • Tanja Caldwell designed the wonderful costumes for Mara Block Ali’s Netflix series, Forever.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 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
  • Merz recently vowed to make Germany’s army the strongest in Europe, but in order to meet that pledge, he will be required to spend huge sums of money to modernize, train and equip soldiers.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • The sixth installment in Warner Bros. and New Line’s long-running horror property, in which people die in increasingly insane incidents, is a huge hit.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 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 15 Jun. 2025.

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