Definition of majesticnext
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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective majestic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of majestic are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When could grand be used to replace majestic?

Although the words grand and majestic have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

In what contexts can grandiose take the place of majestic?

The words grandiose and majestic can be used in similar contexts, but 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

When is it sensible to use imposing instead of majestic?

The words imposing and majestic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When can magnificent be used instead of majestic?

While in some cases nearly identical to majestic, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

Where would stately be a reasonable alternative to majestic?

While the synonyms stately and majestic are close in meaning, 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 majestic Renowned for picture-perfect sunsets along a majestic walking trail, Arizona’s Horseshoe Bend Trail was awarded the top spot in the country, according to a report from footwear brand FitFlop that was shared with Travel + Leisure. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026 The large, majestic tree in your neighbor’s yard may not be on your property, but its roots might be. Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 The team effort to give the majestic bird a chance means a lot and shows how loved the bald eagles of Big Rock Park are. Jessica Guay, CBS News, 30 July 2026 From July through October, these majestic giants take over the waters. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for majestic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for majestic
Adjective
  • Yet 20 minutes later, it was long forgotten during a graceful balance beam routine that brought her to within striking distance of the lead.
    CBS News, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • In the morning, travelers will awake among the graceful canals and bridges of Venice, with a private water taxi to ferry them into the heart of the Venetian lagoon to explore the city’s many islands.
    Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Finalists, who have just been announced, have captured magnificent shots of everything from fish protecting their young to human impact – good and bad.
    Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In Sterling’s determination to get the Lotus running and to drive it come what may, Tregenza presents the need for speed as a magnificent obsession and the thrill of physical experience as a spiritual quest.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • When Kent Jones was a critic at Film Comment, he was known for, among many other things, his eloquent and insightful analyses of performance.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 4 Aug. 2026
  • What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Getty Images In less than a year, Mark Walter bought the NBA’s most valuable franchise and then flipped it for a handsome profit.
    Mark Medina, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Ideally located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the Taskers Pond neighborhood, a handsome colonial has just come on the market.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Marshall Plan and European integration helped produce three decades of rapid growth and rising prosperity, the period the French call les trente glorieuses, the thirty glorious years.
    Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Beautiful, infuriating, wonderful, awful, glorious, ever-changing, transcendent people.
    Rajani LaRocca, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Diplomatic efforts today too often grant the Taliban a formal place at the table while limiting contact with Afghan women to informal consultations.
    Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Between now and then, there is much parsing of the 16-track album’s rich content to be done, with millions of words of formal and informal think-pieces to come.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The five-night yacht voyages combine access to historic sites along the river and elegant, luxurious accommodations.
    Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Featuring romantic bell sleeves, an elegant boat neckline, and an adjustable back cinch detail, this figure-forming top looks flattering on just about everyone.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That epic coming-of-age drama ended with its main character leaving his transient childhood behind and moving into his dorm room at college.
    Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Every time that epic foursome is onstage together, the whole crew leans in.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Majestic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/majestic. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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