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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 stately The stately Red Fox Inn & Tavern, which has roots dating back to 1728, sits prominently in the middle of town, and both Salamander Middleburg and Goodstone Inn & Restaurant are just a short drive away. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2025 The city’s architecture includes intricately tiled mosques, several stately bridges and a sprawling square that has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025 Herbert talks to a number of people in Natchez, from homeowners who’ve inherited these stately mansions and continue the tradition to townspeople trying to create monuments to the city’s enslaved population. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025 Her stately surroundings look like something out of a John Singer Sargent painting. Brent Lang, Variety, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The chrysoprase cabochons on a necklace from the house’s 2025 high-jewelry collection demonstrate their enduringly graceful symmetry.
    Jill Newman, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
  • The unlikely but true tale of a multimillion dollar, inside job heist, the 2016 film is a crazy cinematic ride with a who’s who of A-list funny folk and moments hilariously dumb and graceful, romantic and ruinous.
    Lesley O'Toole, Variety, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • And while in Reims, be sure to visit the magnificent Cathédrale de Reims.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Guest stars like Bob Odenkirk, Andy Samberg, Sam Richardson, and Patti Harrison bring magnificent energy to their segments, but the show's success primarily hinges on Robinson's unique sensibilities as a performer.
    Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • Welcome to difficult-to-reach Nordkapp (North Cape), a magnificent — albeit somewhat extreme — antidote for travelers looking to escape the summer heat back home while visiting a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists for centuries.
    Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025
  • This 27-mile loop above Crested Butte is a great way to explore the majestic Elk Mountains without much effort.
    R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Auberge Tokito, which opened in April 2024, is an elegant Ryokan (Japanese-style restaurant with lodging facilities) in Tachikawa City on the outskirts of central Tokyo.
    Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Beside skiing and yachting, tennis is one of its major concerns, and this season’s assortment includes the elegant Ellen blazer.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Hit the ground running like Iron Man with this line of coffee in all its glorious forms — pods, instant, ground, and whole bean.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 July 2025
  • The library’s glorious 1911 Beaux Arts building on Fifth Avenue, while free and open to the public, is physically intimidating—cold in its marble grandeur, confusing in its labyrinthine layout.
    Brian Schaefer July 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Mamdani has secured endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, but lacks formal support from Hochul and two other prominent New York lawmakers, Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • In addition to the cupola lounge, the suite includes a living room, two dressing areas, a bar, a formal dining room for 12 guests, and both an open chef’s kitchen, for interacting with guests, and a professional prep kitchen.
    Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Night Light® is a handsome, compact variety, producing radiant golden foliage that takes on bronze and chartreuse hues in winter.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
  • An innovation on the part of Buchan, was the glamorous female mastermind, Hilda von Einem, who vies with the handsome Irish intriguer Dominic Medina (please do read ‘Greenmantle’ and the ‘Three Hostages’) as the foil to Richard Hannay.
    Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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