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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 sequence was full of frantic energy and showed a rather different side to the stately senator. James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025 About 40 years ago, my insurance agent hired me to install replacement windows in his stately brick home. Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2025 Here are the top options to choose from Snake plant One of the heartiest and best air-scrubbing indoor plants, this stately common beauty is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. Rebecca Torres, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2025 The public halls all have soaring ceilings covered with original 16th-century frescos and are lined with stately marble busts of ancient Roman emperors and military heroes. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 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
  • France is a culture of manners, of eloquence, of graceful behavior, as if life itself, from the grandly public to the intimately domestic, were essentially performative, requiring constant self-control.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
  • With an upright growth habit and loose, open canopy, oleander makes a graceful evergreen hedge in USDA zones 8-10.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Ashford Castle – Ireland Originating from the 13th century, the magnificent Ashford Castle has a rich history, evolving from a medieval fortress to a grand luxury retreat adorned with antiques and artwork.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Inside, 16 relatively small pistons (92 mm) fire off in a magnificent short-stroke (78.55 mm) scream at 9,000 rpm.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Fed from glaciers on Mount Shasta’s majestic slopes, Mossbrae Falls cascades out of lava tubes and down mossy cliffs into the Sacramento River in ethereal curtains of mist, sending rainbows dancing in all directions.
    Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
  • In the 2011 final, Cristiano Ronaldo’s majestic leap and powerful header saw Jose Mourinho’s team crowned winners at the expense of their great rivals Barcelona after extra time.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Hot Potato Salad Recipe: Shaved Vegetable Salad Recipe: Easy Bunny Cake This easy and elegant menu keeps things classic, but with an extra helping of flavor and color.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Puff sleeves are always elegant, helping to dress up any outfit no matter what it’s paired with.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But Campbell spoke in such a way that Patriots fans could put aside the arm length/wingspan jabber for just a bit and embrace New England’s glorious past while daydreaming about a promising future.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The venue: the glorious TCL Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Or there may be mentorship programs integrated but no formal training mechanisms in place, causing a lack of awareness and understanding, thus leading to unchecked bias and inequities in workplace systems.
    Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Snag casual frocks and formal gowns in floral patterns and pastel hues, with prices starting at $25.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Nest Learning Thermostat is a handsome, effective device, one that arguably kickstarted the smart home revolution with its simple usability and gorgeous design.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Cole is the handsome, non-committal Miami playboy who your best friend warns you about.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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