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 Virgil’s magnificent poem has been canonical since the time of its composition. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 This magnificent fruit can be candied, bobbed, picked and pied. Lorenza Medley, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025 There were glimmers of the magnificent past at the 2024 French Open against Iga Swiatek when Osaka won the second set 6-1 and was within a point of going 5-1 up in the decider. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Its bodies of water include the Indian River Lagoon, Turkey Creek, and just beyond that the Atlantic Ocean; altogether offering dozens of opportunities to explore the magnificent natural beauty of central Florida. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • The combination of Kraft and Heinz, wed with glorious self-praise in 2015, will be legally rent asunder.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This even includes Queen Bey’s glorious hair.
    Larry Stansbury, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But the Ravens are gaining on them after blowing a 15-point lead to the Bills in the fourth quarter of the teams’ epic opener Sunday night.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Alcaraz and Sinner trilogy in major finals began with an epic French Open final that came in at a whopping five hours and 29 minutes.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But guests also have a chance to get up close with these majestic animals.
    Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The honor fell to Rival Son’s majestic vocalist Jay Buchanan, who took the stage barefoot, in a maroon suit, and proceeded to devour the angry rock anthem.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • In many ways, Eze feels a throwback Arsenal player, the kind of footballer blessed with supreme technique and control in tight spaces, rather than the more imposing figures like Declan Rice and Merino that Arteta has recruited.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Environmental Protection Agency oversaw a massive cleanup effort, for one.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In March, a massive, violent earthquake shook Myanmar.
    Lauren Liebhaber September 5, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As Cantillo dissected his outing, Hedges peered over at him, beaming like a proud father.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
  • But the proud Eugene will not hear of it.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet last week’s warning from Jet2, a business respected for its cost control and excellent customer service, has served as a reminder that, for all the impressive growth of recent years, this remains a volatile and sometimes unpredictable sector.
    Ian King, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This ambitious tour spans multiple continents, covering several countries and cities with an impressive run of dates.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Today, Anousheh is the CEO of the XPRIZE Foundation, an organization that has helped solve massive social problems by setting grand challenges for teams to compete and solve.
    Dev Patnaik, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In February, when Calvin Klein made its grand return to New York Fashion Week, Jenner even strutted the runway.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 12 Sep. 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!