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 In almost any city or village globally, the town squares and parks have magnificent statues – not to celebrate teams, audit committees, or task forces, but instead showcase bold thinking individual leaders. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 Grant was a magnificent general who won the Civil War for the North. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025 Yet Son, whose ambitions rank among the most galactic of tech billionaires, is likely holding hope for magnificent returns. Parmy Olson, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025 De Bruyne arrived for £55million ($73m) from Wolfsburg in 2015 and has gone on to enjoy a magnificent decade with City as the conductor in Pep Guardiola’s orchestra, winning 19 major trophies. Tom Burrows, New York Times, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • The wedding went off without a hitch, a glorious event on a glorious August day.
    Lian Dolan, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • This title is up for grabs in the most glorious of ways.
    Sam Amick, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Former University of Kansas guard Christian Braun turned in an epic performance in an elimination NBA playoff game Thursday night, helping keep alive the Denver Nuggets’ hopes of advancing to the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2025
  • An epic guide to the best motels in California The motel, a word born in California, turns 100 this year.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Expect a three- to four-hour trek of moderate difficulty, but the majestic views of the rocky coastline from the top are worth the trip. Visit Jardin de L’Albarda.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
  • In a place as old and majestic as Rome, even the mundane can contain fascinating remnants of history.
    Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 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
  • The massive undersea volcano reaches more than 3,600 feet above the seabed is located 300 miles offshore.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Boston has constructed massive leads in each game, often to begin them.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • The narrative continues to evolve, due in no small part to proud descendants of Hiram, James and Wallace.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 May 2025
  • Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Reserve this prime space for content that demonstrates your expertise or highlights impressive client results.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Smartphone Deals The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a lightweight, compact, beautifully designed foldable smartphone featuring impressive hardware, AI capabilities, and a bright, large screen perfect for watching videos and multitasking.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Every little helps, obviously, but in the grand scheme of things, slipping down a spot on the final day won’t hurt too much in domestic terms.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 May 2025
  • Employee recognition does not always mean a grand gesture.
    Phil Portman, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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