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 Meyers also had a magnificent first two months last season, slashing .289/.360/.489 in his first 151 plate appearances. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 June 2025 After Gavin Cervantes started on the mound and freshman Brayden Krakowski pitched into the sixth inning, St. John Bosco turned to its closer, Jack Champlin, who was magnificent. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025 In one of his only performances as an ostensibly normal guy, Cruise brings magnificent dirtbag energy to War of the Worlds' Ray, a working-class deadbeat dad whose one weekend with his kids (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin) overlaps with an alien invasion. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 24 May 2025 Heart rate rises, breath softens, and eyes glue to this magnificent 500-pound mammal that could rip me to pieces with the simple swipe of its striped paw. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In the meanwhile, Stabler is incredibly rash and approaches Tanner with just a flak vest and a radio headset over his fancy suit and glorious dome.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The audience at a packed Salle Pierre Lamy were shown three clips featuring the first appearance of protagonist Sam Fisher, voiced by Liev Schreiber, an epic fight scene and a car chase.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 June 2025
  • Harrison defeated Julianna Peña on Saturday night at UFC 316 via submission to win the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship, potentially setting herself up for an epic fight against Amanda Nunes.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Its history is reflected in the town’s architecture, including the majestic Plaza Mayor square, which features a statue of Pizarro himself.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • Combining majestic 16th-century pageantry with thrilling gondola races, this event is a true Venetian spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors for an unforgettable display of tradition and color.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 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
  • DeBlois dials the cuteness quotient back somewhat while giving this massive animal a genuine presence.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • While riggers hung massive lights and construction workers assembled the stage on a grueling day before Tyler Childers‘ June 2024 concert at the United Center, three young locals showed up: Cheryl, Larry and Ted.
    Steve Knopper, Billboard, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • For a bit of old soul Florida, head to Everglades City, a proud frontier town in subtropical swamp wilderness.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 June 2025
  • Their many successes and proud history are well known, so there are plenty of arguments to support Madrid in this competition… and also to want anyone but them to win it.
    Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive architecture and a foundation dating back to the 13th century.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • There was nearly a fourth as well, though rookie Kristian Campbell was able to make an impressive backhanded grab in shallow right with his back to the infield in the bottom of the fourth.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Set in 19th-century Paris with grand sets, cabaret scenes, and atmospheric visuals, the story follows an old scholar who sells his soul to the devil for youth and love, leading to tragedy.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • In the grand scheme of things, the distorto-plugg takeover isn’t that deep—these two cultural bubbles (comedic 808 extremism and actual rap music) should be able to coexist in harmony.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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