1
2
3
4

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 same restrained values of democracy have always marked the White House—a stately house, but not an imperial one. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025 While little has changed externally, the stately 19th-century building, which was a former hotel and department store, has undergone a radical redesign within. CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025 They can be seen standing outside their stately venue, holding hands. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 Interestingly enough, the tumulus represents a meeting of Roman and Celtic traditions, though, by the looks of it, this funerary monument, possibly attached to a stately though unknown elite, was a symbolic gesture, piquing intrigue and revealing a slice of Roman life rarely seen. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • 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
  • Characterized by graceful, winding arms that spiral out from a bright central bulge, these systems are rich with both young and old stars, swirling gas and cosmic dust.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • After winning over America with his epic one-liners and graceful skates, Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon tackled the dance floor alongside partner Jenna Johnson.
    Diana Pearl, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Windtraders are a flying tribe with magnificent crafts to soar above Pandora.
    Fred Topel, Deadline, 6 Nov. 2025
  • His garden was truly magnificent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property.
    Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
  • After Guerrero hit his majestic homer in the third, the Blue Jays added two more while chasing Ohtani during their four-run seventh.
    Staff report, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • His face, while not exactly handsome, nevertheless has a certain charisma to it, a monkey-like instinct for comedy.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Who will free us from the handsome British issue drama?
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • This latest collaboration, even though Talley did not live to see the glorious pieces from his past feels full circle and matchless.
    Essence, Essence, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, the most likely candidates are still atop the betting board, but holding a Florida 60/1 ticket in March last year was a glorious feeling.
    Jim Root, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • In Akita, local authorities requested formal military assistance from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, saying their existing measures – including box traps and bear repellent sprays – weren’t enough.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Being Running Fence’s associate project director was my first formal job in the arts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!