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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 Traditional Fall Front Entry An impressive magnolia leaf garland framing this door makes for a stately and traditional fall front entry. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025 His large-scale jars and urns are the most impressive due to their stately size. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025 The movie centers around Matt (James Boyle), who was raised in a secluded deaf community based at a stately house and led by the charismatic, revered leader Mia (Sophie Stone). Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 Le Bon’s fellow Welsh native, the legendary songwriter John Cale of the Velvet Underground, guests on this album of stately guitar rock. Matthew Schnipper, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Drafted in the second round, 50th overall, last year out of TCU, the physically imposing, 6-foot-6, 250-pound lefty debuted at the Single-A level in April.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to beautiful blooms, October Magic® Ivory™ Camellia produces handsome evergreen foliage and develops a graceful, upright shape.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mickey, already back up top, stretched a graceful dive that made no splash.
    David Wright Faladé, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All of them have been magnificent.
    Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Oh, and the triumphant return of Jake's magnificent Toruk beast, too.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Senior receiver Trond Grizzell has a majestic name and a 6-foot-4 frame, while freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele didn’t take long to make an impression at the college level.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The record often feels morbid and majestic at the same time.
    Allaire Nuss, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Crafted in gold-toned bronze, its coloring is understated and elegant, allowing the designer to work with a more experimental shape.
    Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The Clunie Dining Room For a more elegant affair, there’s The Clunie Dining Room at The Fife Arms.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • However, your best bet for seeing the glorious reds, oranges, or yellows of the oak, hickory, and maple trees along the route will be mid to late October.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025
  • And yes, some of them are still only publicly available in glorious 360-pixel formats.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As evidenced, efforts can culminate in formal events for strategizing and bolstering membership.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Wyatt’s pointed use of stark silence to enhance some of the tense moments before battles break out is an effective formal choice that, without the use of slow motion, produces the feeling of time moving differently, making the viewer hyper-aware of what may come.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Why is Glen Powell so determined to hide his handsome face?
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The brassy fanfare of mariachi music was first played in the region’s rural reaches and popularized in Guadalajara’s handsome plazas.
    David Shortell, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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