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 Most of the greats have performed at this magnificent amphitheatre, from W.G. Grace and Garfield Sobers through to Fred Trueman and Michael Holding. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Welcome to difficult-to-reach Nordkapp (North Cape), a magnificent — albeit somewhat extreme — antidote for travelers looking to escape the summer heat back home while visiting a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists for centuries. Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025 This is a magnificent specimen stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, red onions, feta and mozzarella, topped with summery red sauce. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Here are those magnificent words, words that still echo in the hearts of human beings around the world. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • Many of the 88 rooms also have glorious sea views and, in contrast to the riot of pattern in the public spaces, have a quieter aesthetic.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The library’s glorious 1911 Beaux Arts building on Fifth Avenue, while free and open to the public, is physically intimidating—cold in its marble grandeur, confusing in its labyrinthine layout.
    Brian Schaefer July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The green and red striped side from Rio however, move on, to an epic quarter final fixture against the winner of Manchester City vs Al Hilal.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Thanks to the new uniforms, quotable lines, and epic space battles, Wrath of Khan is the best film with which to hook new fans.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Welcome to difficult-to-reach Nordkapp (North Cape), a magnificent — albeit somewhat extreme — antidote for travelers looking to escape the summer heat back home while visiting a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists for centuries.
    Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025
  • This 27-mile loop above Crested Butte is a great way to explore the majestic Elk Mountains without much effort.
    R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 4 July 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
  • Salesforce makes its own platform sticker, and your SaaS tool gets access to the massive Salesforce ecosystem.
    Bihag Karnani, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Villagran Trump warns Republicans against cutting too deep As bleary senators worked through the massive GOP bill, Trump warned Republicans against going overboard on unpopular cuts.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Our more than 18,000 Bombardier employees are proud to welcome this new, important customer to our family.
    Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Once again, Newsweek is proud to highlight your voices.
    Joshua Sammons, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • On the other end of the spectrum, Materialists, Celine Song's quietly engrossing romantic dramedy starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal is still holding firm in the domestic top 10, adding $1.3 million in week four for an impressive $33.5 million domestically.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 July 2025
  • The All-American scored nine goals and added eight assists while registering an impressive 80-percent faceoff winning percentage.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Because in the grand symphony of automotive manufacturing, this sneaky little data gremlin slipped past quality checks, and the deviation was written off as statistical noise.
    Raghu Para, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • The Crown Prince has invested trillions of dollars in his grand mega projects intended to wean the kingdom off dependence on oil revenues.
    Karen Elliott House, Time, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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