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 Today, travelers come from near and far to take in this magnificent scene, as well as the jaw-dropping views from Lookout Mountain, the history of the destination, and a plethora of other interesting things to see and do. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025 And Bryce did a magnificent job of getting the ball out in rhythm. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025 Since that day, the ISS, which is reaching its 25th anniversary, has put some magnificent achievements on the board. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 31 Oct. 2025 The thrust through $60 was magnificent given the fact that this resistance level has been in place since last November. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • This latest collaboration, even though Talley did not live to see the glorious pieces from his past feels full circle and matchless.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, the most likely candidates are still atop the betting board, but holding a Florida 60/1 ticket in March last year was a glorious feeling.
    Jim Root, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The show has featured epic decades-long love stories, like Doug Williams and Julie Olson's.
    Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
  • But instead of an epic franchise, the two are a couple in Lynne Ramsay’s suffocating drama about a woman dealing with postpartum depression and isolation amid a move from New York to Montana.
    Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property.
    Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • After Guerrero hit his majestic homer in the third, the Blue Jays added two more while chasing Ohtani during their four-run seventh.
    Staff report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • China has undertaken a massive expansion of sites linked to missile production since 2020, bolstering its ability to potentially deter the US military and assert its dominance in the region, a new CNN analysis of satellite images, maps and government notices reveals.
    Tamara Qiblawi, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • For Native people, the war marked a dangerous fork in the road, stirring famine, spurring a massive refugee crisis, and permanently shifting the balance of power in the heart of the continent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • There are certainly some top-notch barbecue restaurants that made the cut, but the Michelin selection barely scratches the surface of the South’s long, proud barbecue tradition.
    Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
  • What’s left now is a proud elite program trying to scrape its way into bowl season.
    D’Joumbarey Moreau, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Brazil is set to introduce an ambitious and innovative new system for financing forest protection (more on that below) and Lula comes into COP30 with an impressive record of successful forest protection.
    Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • From the facade crafted from hinoki wood, a rare cypress that’s often reserved for Japanese temples and shrines, to impressive cultural programming and exhibitions, there’s always something worth seeing.
    Jade Moyano, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The east-west axis of the monumental structure was aligned with the direction of the sunrise on October 17 and February 24, leading Inomata to think that the monument might have acted as a ritual site during important days of the Maya calendar year.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Momentum looks poised to continue with Q4 guidance calling for +61% growth on the back of monumental bookings in Q3.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on magnificent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!