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

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as in graceful

having or showing elegance a stately dowager in an evening gown

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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

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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

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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 With a broad, pyramidal form and dense blue-green foliage, this stately, needled evergreen makes an adaptable privacy screen for difficult areas in USDA Zones 4-9. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 Brioni further elevated its bespoke tailoring with Maestria, unveiled at Milan’s stately Palazzo del Senato and offering personalization across all categories, from shirts and knitwear to footwear and small leather goods. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 The young couple and their daughter, Rose, worshipped in a stately Victorian Gothic church, where Almanzo’s parents were members and his sisters were married. — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026 Now city officials are being asked to stomp the gas pedal on an ordinance that could speed the demise of some of downtown’s stateliest buildings — ones that help define its character, such as the old train station on Church Street, the Kress building and the Angebilt Hotel. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately

Adjective

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
There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

In graceful, gimlet-eyed prose, Edwidge Danticat stares down preconceptions of family and belonging, lending her novel propulsion and promise.

— Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
The suite comprised a graceful foyer, a large, curved living and dining area, walk-in wardrobe and changing room, and a separate bedroom and bathroom.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

Oh, and hundreds of her works fill the screen, a magnificent and vibrant tour through her glorious career.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
The Bowers & Wilkins audio system is magnificent to listen to but also ingeniously integrated within the cockpit.

— Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

Stitched brown leather makes for a handsome addition to any home bar cart, especially when they’re housed in a Georg Jensen stainless steel case.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
His Hammness does show up, tongue planted firmly in his photogenic cheek, and reminds you that nobody does handsome-guy self-mockery better than Jon Hamm.

— David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

Oh, and hundreds of her works fill the screen, a magnificent and vibrant tour through her glorious career.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Perhaps the best perk of the suite was the large balcony with ample plump seating and an atmospheric floor lamp, a glorious extension of the indoor space for prime castle viewing.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

Although the achievement is still awaiting formal certification, the milestone highlights the rapid evolution of high-performance drones for military applications.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
Braverman was writing in response to another parliamentarian who noted that Jamaica planned to lodge a formal petition for reparations later this year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of formal

Adjective

Her presence helps define the smart way Little Fish positions itself along the borderlines of casual and fancy, quirky and elegant.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
These elegant, loose-fitting pull-on pants sit high on the waist, creating a leg-lengthening effect.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026

Definition of elegant

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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 13 Jul. 2026.

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