STATELY Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stately

adjective

ˈstāt-lē

Definition of stately

as in imposing

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in graceful

having or showing elegance a stately dowager in an evening gown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception stately plantation homes that are now open to the public as museums

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in majestic

very dignified in form, tone, or style a stately composition that has served as the musical accompaniment for countless graduations and other ceremonial occasions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stately Elsewhere are a stately billiards room, a game room, and quiet corners for conversation or reading. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 13 July 2026 Waterbucks stood tall and stately along the trail and hordes of the little Angola impalas scurried across in front of us. — Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026 Timeless ensuite bathrooms and powder rooms have high-quality tile, stately faucets, natural stone countertops, and light fixtures that look meant-to be. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 6 July 2026 Although the estate embraces more than 1,000 acres of roiling hills and valleys, nothing remains of Ashcombe House itself, a stately mansion built in 1686 but dismantled for its brick and stone two centuries later. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately

Adjective

Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition.

— Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

Roman designer Ludovica Malagò, who cofounded Studio Malià with Gaia Rebecchini, demonstrates one graceful way to do so in this recent project.

— Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 18 July 2026
Liu dazzled audiences with her graceful moves and flawless tricks on the ice.

— Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

And in a dark time for the world, a magnificent tournament helped make the world feel a little smaller.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Pico Lopes, the Shamrock Rovers centre-half recruited on LinkedIn, at the heart of Cape Verde’s defence was magnificent.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

Delphiniums are tall, majestic flowering plants that provide a strong vertical accent to perennial borders.

— Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026
The olive trees outside their home, majestic and thriving — not just a livelihood for many local farmers but a symbol of community.

— Mirin Fader, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Definition of majestic

Adjective

This one had long, spirally fluted horns and was as handsome a trophy as anyone would want.

— Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 23 July 2026
The Vampire Diaries centers on orphaned teenager Elena Gilbert, who ends up falling in love with a handsome new student named Stefan Salvatore (Wesley).

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 23 July 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Speaking of God, the pedal steel is capable of exaltation, too, the rise and fall of its strings able to emulate a glorious choir or a keening request or spread out like the cosmos itself.

— Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

The Department of Children and Families reports that more than half of the nation’s adults have never taken formal swimming lessons.

— Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
Multiple reception rooms include a formal dining room with seating for 16 guests, while two studies are for more intimate gatherings and the Smallbone kitchen, equipped with Miele appliances, opens to a morning room with French doors to the gardens.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 July 2026

Definition of formal

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stateliness

stately

statement

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“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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