Definition of magnificentnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective magnificent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of magnificent are grandiose, grand, imposing, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

When would grand be a good substitute for magnificent?

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

a grand staircase

When is grandiose a more appropriate choice than magnificent?

In some situations, the words grandiose and magnificent 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

In what contexts can imposing take the place of magnificent?

The words imposing and magnificent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

How is majestic related to other words for magnificent?

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

a majestic waterfall

When might stately be a better fit than magnificent?

While in some cases nearly identical to magnificent, 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 magnificent Chows are magnificent dogs of ancient Chinese descent known for their black tongues and lion-like mane. Katelyn Chef, Martha Stewart, 12 Apr. 2026 The centerpiece of the pool project was a magnificent outdoor kitchen. Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026 Plus, his mullet is magnificent. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 This season has done an excellent job of integrating new, diverse cast members (the Mia-KJ-Ciara trio is magnificent), making the cycle Kymanda is stuck in even more infuriating to watch. Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • On Monday morning, the NHL headlines were dominated by a goalie from the Kings’ glorious past and another from their cautiously promising immediate future.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The performance felt like a glorious end to her wildly successful London run as the room filled with a standing ovation.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But Lincoln controls the whole tempo, the complete vibe of the affair with her epic vocals, effortless charm, and wonderful instincts.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Visitors can enjoy heart-pounding adventures like zip lining through the forest canopy, rock climbing on the gorge’s steep cliffs, and whitewater rafting on the New River’s epic Class I to V rapids.
    Jordan Charbonneau, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • As majestic as the constellation Canis Major is, Orion’s little hunting dog Canis Minor is kind of a joke by comparison, at least in my opinion.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 12 Apr. 2026
  • There are majestic overhead views, grand Pacific sunsets, houses tucked among surrounding forests, their lights showing like fireflies through the foliage.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Only Andy Pages has looked alert in the Dodgers’ super-imposing lineup, which would have been shut out before a crowd of 45,556 at Dodger Stadium if not for Freddie Freeman’s two-out home run in the ninth inning.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The Blue Devils – led by the physically imposing, likely top-three NBA Draft pick, Cameron Boozer – had the second-biggest roster in the country, including four other players expected to join Boozer in June’s NBA Draft.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • During the chaos, community members like local restaurant owner Ron Grady stepped up to offer warm shelter and food to those who were stranded in the cold due to the massive multi-vehicle crash.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack overnight.
    Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Garrison’s younger son had played basketball for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; this made Garrison proud.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The people are proud of their industrial background.
    Stephanie Armour, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • What makes his accomplishments even more impressive is that the end of the powerlifting season overlaps with the start of baseball.
    Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Yet most impressive of all was Twigs herself, who led the dancers with moves even more complex than theirs — while singing.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This monumental win captivated millions worldwide and forever altered the course of women’s sports.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2026
  • In a recent case in Italy, sharing more information and giving options to patients and their families could have made a monumental difference in a young boy’s life.
    Brittany Clayborne, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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