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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grandiose differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grandiose are grand, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," 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 grand be used instead of grandiose?

While the synonyms grand and grandiose are close in meaning, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

When is imposing a more appropriate choice than grandiose?

In some situations, the words imposing and grandiose are roughly equivalent. However, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of grandiose?

The words magnificent and grandiose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for grandiose?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When would stately be a good substitute for grandiose?

The synonyms stately and grandiose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 grandiose But their return isn’t just a callback to the grandiose synth-bangers of 1989 or warehouse-ready electric grit of Reputation. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025 Then those counties grew into states, and people eventually developed an appetite for something more grandiose, Pirro said. Ayana Archie, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025 Narcissists are known for being abusive, grandiose and entitled. Charles Trepany, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 Callis was set to unveil his latest painting, but Cassidy destroyed the artwork to make his own grandiose entrance. Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
Adjective
  • Beneath the Sistine Chapel’s magnificent vaulted ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, Charles and Pope Leo XIV prayed together in a special ecumenical service – a first since at least the Reformation.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The latest temporary exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pulling the cover back on one of the planet’s most magnificent animals.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some might see you as arrogant.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Jackson returns as Wes Bryant, a handsome, intelligent, but arrogant man who had just moved to Seattle and was revealed to be a new medical intern at Grey Sloan.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The epic leading lady wardrobe concluded with her two musical performances of the night.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had an epic response to the team's critics after LA swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series to advance to their second consecutive World Series.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Design-wise, the Vanguard glasses are a little too ostentatious for everyday wear, and they're not even offered with prescription lenses (unlike the HSTN glasses), but athletes will appreciate them for outdoor sports like beach volleyball, cycling, and running.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The natural sublime is big, ostentatious, unmistakable.
    Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • As the show moves on from its glorious first hour, the last thirty minutes veer toward the saccharine.
    Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
  • In productions large or small — or, here, imperfectly in-between, though still glorious — everything is the service of the show that creates with words, music and movement a grand American tapestry — tears and all.
    Frank Rizzo, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Need to drop a levity bomb in the middle of a group of pretentious characters?
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025
  • And though all of Anderson’s artistry and jittery comedic sensibility is present, the director hasn’t created a pretentious version of an action flick; One Battle After Another is the real thing, filled with beautifully shot car chases and shoot-outs.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While The Morning Show presents the news business as glossy and glamorous (and often a little pompous), The Paper takes the opposite view with the documentary crew from The Office now focusing on a dying newspaper in Ohio.
    Emma Alpern, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Guigal’s strategy isn’t built on pompous conservatism, but in long-term thinking.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiose. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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