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 The stately tree features a timeless silhouette and takes up a minimal footprint with a narrow 42-inch width. — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026 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 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

Memories of a childhood marked by economic hardship and abuse intertwine with the natural world in this graceful début memoir, which is structured around the author’s seven-year project of walking every street in Santa Cruz County, in California.

— The New Yorker, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
The good news is that Venus in Libra can improve professional visibility, making negotiations and professional opportunities all the more graceful and prosperous.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

Guests can also choose to tack on optional experiences, including a visit to the magnificent Abu Simbel temple and high tea at Aswan’s historic Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026
Thanks to the magnificent gothic Minster looking down on winding medieval streets with quirky names such as The Shambles and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, tourists descend on the city in the tens of thousands every week.

— Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

The large, majestic tree in your neighbor’s yard may not be on your property, but its roots might be.

— Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
The team effort to give the majestic bird a chance means a lot and shows how loved the bald eagles of Big Rock Park are.

— Jessica Guay, CBS News, 30 July 2026

Definition of majestic

Adjective

Later on, Bret wanders away from his friends and runs into Debbie’s father, Terry Schaffer (Wes Bentley), entertaining handsome young men in the hot tub.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
The younger Gere plays Robert Mallory, the handsome new student who transfers to Buckley prep at the same time that The Trawler begins killing local teens.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

So, too, are the smart shops of Andrassy Avenue, a broad boulevard modeled on the Champs-Élysées, the Franz Litzst museum, and the glorious Hungarian State opera house.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
In the meantime, Democrats have seemingly resolved at least one 2028 fight, a fracas marked by snarking, backbiting and plenty of acrimony — all the things that make our politics such a grand and glorious endeavor.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

The framework the surgeons built around it required formal disclosure of the atlas's origin to readers, to surgical teams, and to patients, along with bioethicist review and a memorial to the people depicted.

— Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Iran’s government holds annual formal ceremonies in Tehran to honor their memory.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of formal

Adjective

Its interior design matches the vibe, with elegant period-style design complemented by touches of country life—riding boots placed beside a cast-iron fireguard inside, terracotta pots next to Victorian wrought-iron chairs on the outdoor patio.

— Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
Follow what feels elegant, interesting, and horizon-widening.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stately

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