Definition of magnificentnext

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 Walker Buehler was magnificent for most of his six innings. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2026 Those final moments were just the most magnificent. Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 As with every suite, furnishings are designed by Urquiola to be relaxed, neutral, and comfortable, keeping your attention firmly on the magnificent location. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 However, even for the Rimbaud-faithful in the crowd, Wang never seems satisfied with rote presentation, and warps the confines of his form with magnificent imagination. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • And truly, only love catches us, in its infinite, glorious forms.
    Stephanie Mack, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • Those golf scrambles where your phone magically doesn't work for 4 1/2 glorious hours.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Over the years, the garden has produced epic shows, mostly through its process of scattering the work of such art celebrities as Dale Chihuly, Alexander Calder and Deborah Butterfield among the famous flora planted in its grounds on York Street.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
  • After decades of debate, a new study has revealed the epic journey that the Altar Stone, a six-ton sandstone block, took to arrive at the center of Stonehenge.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • John Travolta came in majestic fashion for his first film as a director, and Vin Diesel was accompanied by his cast and the entire Universal studio team.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 June 2026
  • Oak Grove Road runs southwest from Lakeside High beneath majestic pines and hardwoods, past old ranch houses and new mansions.
    Thomas Lake, AJC.com, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
  • In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed.
    Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • The disappearance of a campground employee in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has prompted a massive search, authorities said.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • But there was hope that the world coming to America could bring the kind of unity and joy typical of massive sporting contests like the World Cup.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Colombia of 1994 is not Colombia of 2026, a safer country, a happier country, a more united country, a prouder country.
    Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • The quality of your trip can set a tone for the next part of your day and can shift the experience of commuting to something of which to be proud in our city.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • As more applications move from impressive demos to tools people actually depend on, the pressure on the layer beneath them will keep increasing.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • Equally impressive was the nail-biter at Riviera, where there was a four-way tie for the lead at various points in the final round.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • Here’s Paul Cret, high priest of stripped-down, monumental Art Deco in the 1930s.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
  • With an unusual degree of secrecy, the New York auction house organized a sale early last week of Pace founder Arne Glimcher‘s monumental Jackson Pollock painting, Number 19, 1951, measuring nearly five feet tall and four feet wide, estimated at $50 million.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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