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 All of them have been magnificent. Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 As if to prove the magnificent treasures within Paris now belonged to the German dictator, the statue of Great War French hero General Mangin—which outraged the Führer—was destroyed. Christopher C. Gorham september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025 The sweeping glass and cement lobby doubles as an art gallery, with a magnificent Mayan canoe running through it. David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025 All of them have been magnificent. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • However, your best bet for seeing the glorious reds, oranges, or yellows of the oak, hickory, and maple trees along the route will be mid to late October.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And yes, some of them are still only publicly available in glorious 360-pixel formats.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Clone Wars was an epic show, and, in many ways, carried some of the most poignant and overtly political moments of the whole franchise.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
  • In November 2022, Gracie had an epic sleepover with Penelope and North.
    Julia Meehan, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior receiver Trond Grizzell has a majestic name and a 6-foot-4 frame, while freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele didn’t take long to make an impression at the college level.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The record often feels morbid and majestic at the same time.
    Allaire Nuss, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The year Goldberg-Polin and her family arrived in Israel, the country launched Operation Cast Lead, a massive military operation aimed at halting intensifying Hamas mortar, missile and rocket fire terrorizing southern Israeli communities.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Roan performs on a set that looks like a massive Gothic castle with a drawbridge, parapets and a throne.
    Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Central Texas has a proud tradition of producing and celebrating flavorful sodas.
    Taylor Tobin, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The godfather of modern West Indian fast bowling shakes his head slowly, having been reminded what happened the last time his once proud and near-invincible team played Test cricket.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 44-year-old driver led the race for an impressive 159 laps, and a win seemed like an easy thing to achieve.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Johnson’s performance is humble rather than showy, an impressive feat of control and restraint.
    Richard Lawson, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The site is home to embroiderers Lesage and Montex; shoemaker Massaro; feather and flower expert Lemarié; milliner Maison Michel; pleater Lognon; grand flou atelier Paloma, and goldsmith Goossens, as well as the lingerie and swimwear brand Eres.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Inside The Rooms The 16 rooms are spread across four levels of the house and range from fairly standard size hotel rooms to ‘grand rooms’ that feature a more spacious seating area and nearly 500 square feet of space.
    Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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