Definition of majesticnext
1
2
3

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 There were handheld American flags on skinny sticks, midsize ones to display on a wall and majestic formal flags adorned with silky gold fringe. — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 Oct. 2026 The nor’easter that pounded North Carolina’s Outer Banks has turned the majestic sand dunes into death traps, coastal experts say. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026 For many travelers this majestic continent at the end of the Earth represents the ultimate journey. — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2026 Two engaged couples posed for wedding photos in between joggers, dog walkers and sightseers who clamored around Osprey Street to enjoy the day’s majestic sunset. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for majestic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for majestic
Adjective
  • Minervini calmed down from there, delivering a more graceful goodbye.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • What a simultaneously callous and graceful way to send off an audience that has spent the last hour falling in love.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • James, along with Sawitskas and his pals, want the carousel to be restored to its original glory, a magnificent, gleaming merry-go-round that inspired Disney to dream.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Opposite the magnificent eighteenth-century Grand Théatre, the 150-room Regent Grand perfectly mirrors the aristocratic elegance of this lovely city, thanks to the exquisite interiors of designer Jacques Garcia.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The preschoolers who had a tough time delaying gratification— who ate the first marshmallow—were less academically and socially skilled, eloquent, attentive, and not as good at managing frustration in adolescence.
    — Joan M. Cook, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Fittingly, this is a very American intersection of wealth and power, the exact kind of problem about which James Baldwin was always so eloquent and incisive.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, dark-wood bas reliefs and miles of Norwegian green marble (Enigma Verde Lapponia) are the handsome hallmarks of design studio Autoban (famous for London’s Duck & Rice and Baku airport’s extraordinary makeover).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Alessi 5009/15 Bottle Coaster Looking for a handsome housewarming gift?
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The horn takes center stage in Mozart’s Quintet, rising to a glorious fanfare.
    — Mike Hamersly, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • To hear Silicon Valley tell it, artificial intelligence will usher in a glorious new era of abundance.
    — Ming Lu, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In one of those roles, the chair assembled a formal transition committee that met with me throughout my first six months.
    — Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • This most recent collection from McCartney features a massive array of differing styles ranging from casual to chic and formal, with Stern’s choice of the elegant bodice an excellent one for the Albie Awards.
    — Erin Wisti, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Signs of this history were on display amid all the adventurous modern art that made Mandell’s home seem like an elegant, circus-like wonderland.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Her elegant primary bedroom boasted a dressing area that was the picture of ’40s-movie-star luxury, complete with plush rugs, dramatic arches, and, of course, plenty of mirrors.
    — Megan Johnson, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Cue the lovelorn weeping in the rain set to composer Roger Goula’s supple string score, and before us, a sweeping love epic bursts alive with real pain.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The trailer for The Magician’s Nephew premiered in front of a full Imax theater in the AMC at Lincoln Square, revealing a first look at Gerwig’s bombastic, epic spectacle.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster