1
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in graceful
having or showing elegance
a stately dowager in an evening gown
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3
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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4
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stately
That feeling—stately, easy, deliberate—is inherently sensual.
—
Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
The home sits on a street lined with stately palazzos once owned by Tuscan nobility—and this one has quite the pedigree.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
The famous stately image of Newport is of all those lawn chairs stretching back from the stage in neat rows, almost as if this were a very large wedding.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
At sunset, the curtained floor-to-ceiling windows at Perseid cast a golden glow on the stately dining room’s butter yellow walls.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
The home sits on a street lined with stately palazzos once owned by Tuscan nobility—and this one has quite the pedigree.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2025
The famous stately image of Newport is of all those lawn chairs stretching back from the stage in neat rows, almost as if this were a very large wedding.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
At sunset, the curtained floor-to-ceiling windows at Perseid cast a golden glow on the stately dining room’s butter yellow walls.
—The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
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In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Don’t miss the moment, grabbing these Demarson Odell Hoop Earrings, whose 12-karat gold and rhodium twist around each other in a graceful harmony.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
13 Oct. 2025
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During a visit here, travelers can swim with these large, graceful creatures and also see schools of fish and other sea life.—
Taylor McIntyre,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Next on Skyscanner’s list of trending destinations, with searches up 107 percent year-over-year is Jaipur, India’s magnificent Pink City.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
14 Oct. 2025
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Of course, this is aided by the magnificent work of cinematographer Dan Laustsen, who partnered with GDT on his Best Picture-winning .—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Maah Daah Hey Trail runs for 144 miles, offering some of the best exposure to what’s left of the country’s majestic grasslands, plus surprisingly jagged peaks, rugged plateaus, and ample river crossings.—
Jacqueline Kehoe,
AFAR Media,
15 Oct. 2025
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Kyle Schwarber took a majestic swing in the fourth inning, launching a ball almost out of the stadium, and the Phillies could breathe again.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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And while the color itself is a mix of almond milk and espresso, Steinfeld also opted for an elegant mid-length almond shape, adding a second meaning to the moniker.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
18 Oct. 2025
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This gorgeous 55x21x100-inch arbor is a West Elm best-seller thanks to its elegant design and sturdy wrought iron frame.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Brandon Elliott, aka Mullet Review, who's known around the Queen City for his mom-and-pop restaurant reviews, goofy T-shirts, and glorious blond locks, recently won the 2025 USA Adult Mullet Championship.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Oct. 2025
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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the most successful 100-meter sprinters in history, was also in attendance, and Serena Williams crowned her with a glorious headpiece from Tiffany’s, too.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Essence,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Kabul wants to boost cooperation with an India that is also at odds with Pakistan, and as the Taliban continues to seek formal international recognition as the government of Afghanistan.—
Happymon Jacob,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
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The company contested the findings and eventually reached a formal settlement, OSHA records show.—
Isabel Rosales,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Old photographs show them on windblown mountain peaks, looking scruffily handsome and nearly indistinguishable.—
Eren Orbey,
New Yorker,
13 Oct. 2025
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Grant was dazzlingly handsome, of course, but something else about him had leapt off the screen and captured her imagination.—
Adrienne LaFrance,
The Atlantic,
12 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.
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