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 In the Mojave, Weston saw Joshua trees as majestic extraterrestrials; Connell documents a nameless stump decorated with sneakers. Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026 The country that constructed this majestic temple to the arts was evidently a land of reason, progress, ideals, and faith in the future. Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026 The kakapo is a majestic creature that can live for 60 to 80 years. ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026 This eagle seemed a little less majestic than the one on the presidential seal or the $1 bill. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for majestic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for majestic
Adjective
  • The graceful coupe mixed style—just look at those gullwing doors—and performance like few cars before it, and few cars since.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Then the graceful roll of the ball with his studs smoothly took him past another two to shoot at goal.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There are unexpected combinations, such as an 18th-century bust of a young girl mounted on a black marble column custom-made in a Parisian workshop; both are placed in front of a magnificent sketch.
    Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 8 Mar. 2026
  • These hybrid magnolias display magnificent deep-pink to reddish-purple flowers late enough in spring that frosts seldom damage them.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • El Hammoumy is passionate about his native country, eloquent in English, a scholar with a PhD in Morocco’s oral-history traditions, and—like any millennial—equally fluent in online life.
    Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Talarico proved unusually eloquent, impressing figures as diverse as the podcaster Joe Rogan and the former President Barack Obama.
    Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Plus visiting Greece in the off-season reveals handsome landscapes without the heat and crowds that summer can bring.
    Katie Silcox, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Woodell plays Jay, a charming, handsome and wealthy Catfish alum.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • They’re revived — buzzing, even; at the glorious point in the caffeinated beverage where everything is beautiful, nothing hurts and at least one of them feels like a creative genius.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Premature pruning will remove flower buds, thereby depriving you of those glorious flowers.
    David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Jason Ignacio White, a former Noma chef and fermentation director, delivered a formal demand letter to Redzepi calling for industry reform, including fair wages, the end of unpaid labor and stronger protections against harassment and retaliation.
    Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Defense attorneys have argued that antifa is an ideology and not a formal organization to which the defendants belong.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Taylor’s voice, as guileless and elegant as ever, ties together what could have been a random-feeling assemblage of tunes in a silky bow.
    Molly Mary O’Brien, Pitchfork, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The pair, who make up the Penrose Tilbury design firm, set out to reimagine this older structure as an elegant but comfortable home.
    Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • An American man won the Los Angeles Marathon for the second-straight year after Nathan Martin pulled off a miraculous comeback for an epic finish.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • In 2014, the duo brought to the screen the epic story of Claire Randall, a British combat nurse who is mysteriously transported back to 1743 Scotland and marries Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser to survive.
    Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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