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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 In the Netflix dramedy Too Much, a brokenhearted American, Jess, makes the move across the pond, inspired in part by daydreams of stately castles, rolling green hills and dashing gentlemen professing their ardent admiration. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2025 Oakleaf hydrangea makes a stately accent in shady gardens and looks stunning massed in borders. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025 Other scenes, including the stately dining room, were filmed at another nearby New York mansion, Winfield Hall, also known as the Woolworth mansion. Colson Thayer, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 Nestled in the rolling hills of Somerset, Bath is a glorious English city that seduces with its honeyed townhouses, stately colonnaded crescents, swish spas, and timeless Roman relics. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • Proposals ranged from turning the block into a public pavilion to adding a fabric facade around the current building to give it a less imposing look.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 19 July 2025
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Only the graceful styling and the classic neon sign gives any indication the motel was built in 1953.
    Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Her community fastly feels the sharp absence of her graceful, essential labor and employs matriarch Ana (María Magdalena Sanizo) to coax her back home.
    Holly Jones, Variety, 13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The Denver Broncos were a major surprise during the 2024 NFL campaign, and while that was thanks much in part to a stingy defense, their success was also due to Bo Nix's magnificent rookie season.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • To call this 1,184 hp street-legal Prancing Horse magnificent feels like an understatement.
    Jonny Lieberman, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The celebration at the majestic 146-year-old mansion is the latest in a string of major improvements in the working-class section of Nashville that runs from the airport to the Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell noted after the ceremony.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025
  • The majestic mountains of Pakistan are rarely – if ever – considered among this prestigious group.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Suddenly, a classic white T-shirt and jeans combo has become dynamic, interesting, and highly elegant.
    Paulina Berges, Glamour, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The car’s elegant and understated design, creampuff ride, and regal comportment of occupants was—and remains— the reward of the Corniche experience.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • When our planet crosses through such a path, these bits of rock and dust burn up in our atmosphere in a glorious spectacle.
    Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2025
  • And that level, quite literally, is on high in an evil genius’ tower akin to Universal Studios' glorious black and white monster movies that began in the 1930s — a genre that Burton has been inspired by before, most prominently in his 2012 stop-motion classic Frankenweenie.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Although, a state can make a formal request for federal assistance without a formal state emergency declaration.
    Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Avoiding formal termination also helps companies sidestep severance packages and legal risk.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Property developers were more than happy to tear down the mansions and build very handsome tall buildings, and quite a few of them were structured as cooperatives.
    Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 11 Aug. 2025
  • There’s a large picture window, a handsome bar, and lighting that is not overly bright.
    Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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