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 cast in this one is really magnificent, and there are some great surprise appearances, too. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Allen was simply magnificent, engineering one of the most memorable comebacks in recent history, and starting the Bills’ season at 1-0. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 This particular location is famed as a magnificent spot for outdoor weddings. Jeanine Barone, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 For more magnificent scenery, take a drive along Chapman’s Peak, one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • The combination of Kraft and Heinz, wed with glorious self-praise in 2015, will be legally rent asunder.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This even includes Queen Bey’s glorious hair.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Clark, who knelt beside Foo 30 years ago when the surfer was pulled lifeless from the sea, watched Slebir’s epic ride that day from the back of a Sea-Doo, set up to pull flailing surfers aboard.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025
  • American growth and opportunity in times like 1836-61 and 1865-1913—and even, sure enough, 1811-12—was epic.
    Brian Domitrovic, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But guests also have a chance to get up close with these majestic animals.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The honor fell to Rival Son’s majestic vocalist Jay Buchanan, who took the stage barefoot, in a maroon suit, and proceeded to devour the angry rock anthem.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
  • In many ways, Eze feels a throwback Arsenal player, the kind of footballer blessed with supreme technique and control in tight spaces, rather than the more imposing figures like Declan Rice and Merino that Arteta has recruited.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In short, the massive popularity of its original anime ‘80s run wasn’t matched by its merchandising, and that’s something that is now being belatedly addressed.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Musk has long said Starship’s sheer size and power could make brand-new types of missions possible, including carrying groups of humans to Mars and deploying massive new space telescopes.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Cantillo dissected his outing, Hedges peered over at him, beaming like a proud father.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But the proud Eugene will not hear of it.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet last week’s warning from Jet2, a business respected for its cost control and excellent customer service, has served as a reminder that, for all the impressive growth of recent years, this remains a volatile and sometimes unpredictable sector.
    Ian King, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This ambitious tour spans multiple continents, covering several countries and cities with an impressive run of dates.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Anousheh is the CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation, an organization that has helped solve massive social problems by setting grand challenges for teams to compete and solve.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In February, when Calvin Klein made its grand return to New York Fashion Week, Jenner even strutted the runway.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

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