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 Younger already has plans to adapt her grandiose culinary plans to her pregnancy. Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 Trump’s grandiose peace plan still ended up phased and conditional – granting the Israeli leader political leeway with his hardline coalition. Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
Adjective
  • The Windtraders are a flying tribe with magnificent crafts to soar above Pandora.
    Fred Topel, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
  • His garden was truly magnificent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • So long as that situation continues, the 43-year-old’s allegedly arrogant and stand-offish treatment of his players will not worry the club hierarchy too much.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • The pilot opens with Powell’s character, arrogant college quarterback Russ Holliday, leading his Oregon Ducks team in the National Championship game against Georgia at the Rose Bowl.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And still, less than a week after everyone went home talking about Game 3 as one of the greatest, longest contests ever, Game 7 of the 2025 World Series delivered an all-timer with epic scope.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
  • With Halloween behind us, the holiday season is now in full swing and Hallmark is delivering a magical gift with an epic, time traveling holiday adventure.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Naturally, the primary suite was equipped with a massive boutique-style dressing room to accommodate John’s ostentatious wardrobe.
    Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • This latest collaboration, even though Talley did not live to see the glorious pieces from his past feels full circle and matchless.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, the most likely candidates are still atop the betting board, but holding a Florida 60/1 ticket in March last year was a glorious feeling.
    Jim Root, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Each burger is hand-packed with crisp lettuce, tomato, pickles and just a swipe of mustard — nothing unnecessary, nothing pretentious.
    Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Need to drop a levity bomb in the middle of a group of pretentious characters?
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 Oct. 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
  • Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and María Luisa Manrique de Lara y Gonzaga (a rather pompous name that encompassed two major hereditary estates, a principality, a county, a marquisate, and, for a time, a viceroyalty) met in 1680 in Mexico City.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • His portrayal of a pompous, yapping intellectual who's rotten to the core rings uncomfortably true, as do the performances of Thatcher and East as their characters nonverbally communicate their discomfort to each other.
    Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiose. Accessed 9 Nov. 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!