Definition of grandiosenext
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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 In grandiose fashion, Hegeth rappels from the roof into the station. Jack Dunn, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025 Jackson argues that this grandiose vision was used as a justification for brutality. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025 Contributions from the tight end room haven’t typically been as grandiose as Tremble’s streak into the red zone against Atlanta, but the unit has become an important piece of the offensive playbook. Charlotte Observer, 19 Nov. 2025 Up in the shaft, the grandiose, ceremonial scale gives way to more ordinary floors of offices designed by Gensler with an abundance of common spaces and upholstered alternatives to the chair-desk-terminal combo. Justin Davidson, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
Adjective
  • Then there’s the saltwater pool, all of the American mid-century and Danish modern furniture, and certainly the magnificent mountain and palm tree views.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Thiaw has been magnificent for Newcastle so far and this aberration should not overshadow that, but this was a game too far for the German, who surely requires a rest for the FA Cup tie with Bournemouth on Saturday.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This version of Ryan was arrogant, unable to conceal pride in his accomplishment.
    Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The show has featured epic decades-long love stories, like Doug Williams and Julie Olson's.
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But instead of an epic franchise, the two are a couple in Lynne Ramsay’s suffocating drama about a woman dealing with postpartum depression and isolation amid a move from New York to Montana.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 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
  • The mountains look glorious, green, and bizarrely in-your-face.
    Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
  • This week, Tyler, the Creator recapped his glorious year in a triumphant freestyle, Sabrina Carpenter gifted her fans a Man’s Best Friend bonus track as an early Christmas present, and Doechii teamed up with SZA for a subdued yet motivational anthem.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 2 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Jonathan’s making pretentious anti-capitalist films at NYU.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2026
  • But Keens is not a pretentious place.
    Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The team had already excavated the other three corners of a narrow tomb occupied by an imposing, unnamed sarcophagus.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
  • The most imposing building on Main Street is a gun shop called Chandler’s Firearms Estates, on the corner of East Church Street.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Jeffrey Tambor Known for playing the pompous, self-important mayor of Whoville, Jeffery Tambor also has an esteemed career across television and film.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Among the latter is ravenous beaver Nibbles Maplestick (Fortune Feimster, hilarious), who turns out to be a key ally, and pompous new mayor Brian Winddancer (Patrick Warburton), a stallion who used to be an actor.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 25 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiose. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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