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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in graceful
having or showing elegance
a stately dowager in an evening gown
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 young couple and their daughter, Rose, worshipped in a stately Victorian Gothic church, where Almanzo’s parents were members and his sisters were married.
—
Alicia Underlee Nelson,
Midwest Living,
22 June 2026
Now city officials are being asked to stomp the gas pedal on an ordinance that could speed the demise of some of downtown’s stateliest buildings — ones that help define its character, such as the old train station on Church Street, the Kress building and the Angebilt Hotel.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2026
Housed in a stately early-1900s building that originally operated as a YMCA, it was later converted into a hotel.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2026
Many in the crowd were dressed as if for a performance at the stately Washington, DC, venue.
—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stately
Alicia Underlee Nelson,
Midwest Living,
22 June 2026
Now city officials are being asked to stomp the gas pedal on an ordinance that could speed the demise of some of downtown’s stateliest buildings — ones that help define its character, such as the old train station on Church Street, the Kress building and the Angebilt Hotel.
—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 June 2026
Housed in a stately early-1900s building that originally operated as a YMCA, it was later converted into a hotel.
—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
18 June 2026
Many in the crowd were dressed as if for a performance at the stately Washington, DC, venue.
—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
-
There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.
-
In person, Rowbottom is striking — tall, platinum blond, soft-spoken — though less imposing than carefully self-possessed.
Adjective
-
The soft petal puff sleeves add a graceful detail that elevates the silhouette, while the breezy fit keeps it comfortable for summer weather.
-
So graceful and powerful, without feeling tawdry.
Adjective
-
This trail and several others with magnificent towering rain forest and coastal views can be found at this 2,484-acre state park a 10-minute drive south of Cannon Beach.
-
Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets.
Adjective
-
What to Do on Bear Lake Merely looking at the water is only one way to enjoy majestic Bear Lake; it’s also known for incredible swimming, with several areas featuring a gradual slope that allows visitors to easily enter the water.
-
Every one of the four tiers of this majestic ground, the highest so high and steep that some fans were covered in darkness as the floodlights didn’t reach them, was packed.
Adjective
-
The stakes are high, the KGB agents are handsome, the intelligence is deadly and the costumes are groovy.
-
This handsome portable stands out for its incredibly bright and colorful OLED display and full aluminum chassis, giving it luxurious curb appeal at a near-budget price.
Adjective
-
Some shows were educational, some were pure, glorious junk food for the mind, and others became cultural touchstones.
-
The immortalisation of the World Cup’s greatest side The Brazil team that won the World Cup in 1970 is widely considered the best in international history, with the side immortalised by a glorious style of play, the advent of colour television and their blazing yellow shirts.
Adjective
-
The men, both in formal suits, appear jovial despite their opposing political views, with smiles spreading on their faces.
-
Management cited its recent formal launch of FedEx Life Science, which provides specialized transportation services for the health-care industry, where packages can be both time- and temperature-sensitive, as well as accelerating growth in artificial intelligence.
Adjective
-
Featuring a classic Damask print, this three-piece quilt set will make any bedroom feel elegant and sophisticated.
-
The Wente Clone Chardonnay 2024 – A truly elegant expression of the Wente Chardonnay clone, beautifully balanced fruit, oak, and acidity.
Cite this Entry
“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
