STATELY Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stately

adjective

ˈstāt-lē

Definition of stately

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in graceful

having or showing elegance a stately dowager in an evening gown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception stately plantation homes that are now open to the public as museums

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Built in 1928 by Gordon Kaufmann, and a gift from Edward Doheny to his son Ned and his family, the stately Tudor Revival was home to a horrific tragedy. — Amanda Karkoutly, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026 The festival’s longtime home of the Austin Convention Center is under top-to-bottom renovation, while the stately Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue main drag also will be out of commission next year for a restoration effort. — Mya Copeland, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026 As Ross immediately calls out, this mixture of a child’s game with a sense of politesse, set to a stately, period-appropriate Vivaldi concerto, absolutely does feel like a game that might have been played in an 18th-century court. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 Stunning architecture From the curb, the estate leans into traditional luxury — a stately facade and a sense that this 1998 build was designed to endure. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately

Adjective

When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly.

— Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

The driveway, lined with perennial beds, has a graceful curve on its way to a large circle that allows guests to park near the walkway to the front porch.

— James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
The country is mired in a war with Iran with no graceful exit opportunities; a new round of tariffs threatens to further disrupt fragile global trade relations; and the domestic economy faces inflation combined with paltry growth.

— Zachary Karabell, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

Shouts of awe echoed behind as the final shred of the solar disk created a magnificent Diamond ring flare effect on the trailing edge of the lunar disk.

— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
But the offense was magnificent with him as the signal-caller, and his game-winning, as-the-buzzer-sounded 5-yard touchdown run in prime time pretty much cemented his spot on an active roster somewhere.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of magnificent

Adjective

Following Contreras’ majestic homer, Webb allowed back-to-back singles and hit a batter to load the bases.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
After pressing the shutter button, the AI kicked in to select the best shots from the recording, with many featuring the subject in majestic poses.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of majestic

Adjective

This year’s sale is also ripe with small space-friendly gems like the Sanders Reversible sectional and Sven loveseat, both with handsome designs that can speak volumes in a living room of any size.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
The rooms The 160 rooms and suites strike a balance between modern style and island charm, with leafy wallpaper, handsome headboards, and artwork by local artists that nod to Key West’s quirky spirit—think roosters and vintage island scenes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of handsome

Adjective

For years, Coventry had lived a charmed life in the top flight, pulling off a few dramatic escapes either side of a glorious FA Cup success in 1987.

— Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
There's also a glorious opportunity for the crew to unleash their inner WALL-E by floating through space without a spaceship.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
The couple recently tied the knot in an elegant ceremony in Sicily at the historic Villa Valguarnera near Palermo on June 6, after officially marrying in London’s Marylebone Town Hall in advance.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of elegant

Browse Nearby Words

stateliness

stately

statement

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“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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