1
2

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 Still, comparing the launch of Squadron 42 to that of Grand Theft Auto VI might be the most grandiose bit of expectation-setting yet from a studio known for setting grand expectations. Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 Trump’s grandiose displays of brute force—the massing of weapons of war and platoons of masked, unidentified combat fighters targeting the very civilian populations they are commissioned to protect—does not bring reassurance. Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2025 My cousin refused to allow anyone else in the family to help her plan this grandiose reunion, despite several people asking. Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2025 That fight doesn’t require grandiose ideologies or MAGA slogans. Y. David Scharf, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
Adjective
  • Porsche calls it an e-turbo, and the whole magnificent setup a T-hybrid.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These early years emphasized goofiness, offensiveness, and mocking arrogant celebrities who pushed their platforms at award shows.
    Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The announcement was made during a backstage segment involving NXT General Manager Ava and the arrogant superstar Lexis King.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But the Ravens are gaining on them after blowing a 15-point lead to the Bills in the fourth quarter of the teams’ epic opener Sunday night.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Alcaraz and Sinner trilogy in major finals began with an epic French Open final that came in at a whopping five hours and 29 minutes.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Overblown, ostentatious hybrids of classical and local styles, kitschily ornamented with classical detail, all on a scale meant to be overwhelming rather than inviting—that’s what Big Brother’s city hall always looks like.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Now, the Chinese leader is set to exhibit a very different image with an ostentatious show of military might.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The combination of Kraft and Heinz, wed with glorious self-praise in 2015, will be legally rent asunder.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This even includes Queen Bey’s glorious hair.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Kerouac’s pretentious hitchhiker’s guide lacked the panache, humor, and focus of this one by Douglas Adams.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Swift making herself into a tortured poet trying to outdo a pretentious, typewriter-wielding ex.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
  • In many ways, Eze feels a throwback Arsenal player, the kind of footballer blessed with supreme technique and control in tight spaces, rather than the more imposing figures like Declan Rice and Merino that Arteta has recruited.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Guigal’s strategy isn’t built on pompous conservatism, but in long-term thinking.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Louis Partridge will take on the scheming Mr Wickham, with Jamie Demetriou playing the pompous Mr Collins, Daryl McCormack as Jane’s beloved Mr Bingley, Siena Kelly as his sister Caroline and Shaw as the fearsome Lady Catherine de Bourg.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiose. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grandiose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!