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stately

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

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

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

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

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

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

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for stately?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

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 stateliness
Noun
The stateliness of it all feels even more old-fashioned in light of such recent audacious and original horror films as Sinners, Weapons, and everything directed by Jordan Peele. Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025 The cinematography, by Malik Hassan Sayeed, has a documentary-like precision combined with a somber stateliness. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
As a result, his vocals have a kind of stately yet starry-eyed quality, giving structure to these deformed, cosmic beats from the internet abyss. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 3 Sep. 2025 Previously the seat of colonial government, its stately buildings now house cultural institutions. AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stateliness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stateliness
Noun
  • The still-unfinished Sagrada Família inspires awe with its Gothic-meets-modernist majesty—and enduring century-long construction timeline.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The imposing gothic details of Victor’s castle-laboratory—a portentous warrior-angel statue that comes to life, a screaming Medusa rondel carved in stone—vibrate with gloomy baroque majesty.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • From stern to bow, the boat was a lesson in restrained elegance, with plenty of teak wood and muted, calming shades.
    Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Giorgio Armani, the famed Italian fashion designer who achieved elegance and timelessness through simplicity, has died.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • That is more relevant to his departure than those initial flashes of brilliance.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Success is the result of serial effort, not one-time brilliance.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 3 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
  • Because exits in sports seldom are graceful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2025
  • Adorned with Japanese flowers and trees of the season, the vase gives a dignified, graceful welcome to visitors arriving in the main entrance lobby.
    Isabelle Kliger, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Porsche calls it an e-turbo, and the whole magnificent setup a T-hybrid.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Guests can also spend time at the 6,480-square-foot garden restored through research into historical plant species, including two majestic centuries-old olive trees.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • How To See The Manatees There are several ways to see the majestic sea cows in the Manatee Capital of the World.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Sitting for a portrait was once reserved for the elite, with kings, queens, and nobility commissioning grand works to immortalize themselves and assert their authority.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
  • And sure, there’s nobility in that.
    Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stateliness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stateliness. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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