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 The result is magnificent, with a crust that’s thick enough to hold things but still crispy. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025 Despite the long odds, most sportsbooks did just fine with Spaun sinking that magnificent 64-foot, 5-inch putt to win it all. Vik Chokshi, New York Times, 17 June 2025 The service on June 16 came two days after the magnificent celebration of pomp and pageantry at Trooping the Colour, which saw the royal family unite in their military splendor and finery. Simon Perry, People.com, 16 June 2025 Another case is Egypt and Ethiopia, and their fight over a massive dam that is having an effect on the magnificent Nile River. Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • Find a theater near you and soak in that glorious AC while catching a flick or two to beat the heat.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 24 June 2025
  • There's nothing quite like basking in the sun on a glorious, care-free vacation day.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Our goal was just to make everything epic and then slow it down and surprise the audience every now and then with something tender and sweet.
    Max Gao, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
  • Arden’s production, at once intimate and epic, comes through beautifully nonetheless on the larger stage.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The drawings, which likely took hundreds of hours of hard work to create, are beautiful and almost majestic in their respect.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
  • From humpback and killer whales to sea otters and sea lions, seeing these majestic creatures frolicking in their natural habitats is thrilling.
    Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Energy Prices The war between Israel and Iran had evoked fears of a regional conflict that results in massive civilian casualties, and disrupts the flow of energy and other trade through the region.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • SpaceX's massive Starship exploded in a spectacular fiery blaze during a routine engine test in Texas – raising questions about what's next for Elon Musk's spaceflight company.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • By agreeing on the eventual package of £116m, Hughes and Rolfes were able to shake hands and both feel proud of the outcome.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • But while Boyle is proud of his influence on the zombie film landscape, he’s mostly abstained from watching any of those movies himself.
    Jake Kleinman, Wired News, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • The actors were so impressive in the depth of their research—Joshua actually had made this incredible scrapbook with photographs and newspaper articles.
    Rosemary Counter, Time, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The celebration, which drew arts and civic leaders for the first of three preview nights, was far grander than the concert on March 26,1965, that opened LACMA’s Leo S. Bing Theatre the night before the doors opened to the museum’s original galleries.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
  • The grand wedding of the fourth-richest person in the world in Italy's historic city has caused consternation online and in Venice and even forced the couple to change venues last-minute.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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