majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈje-stik 

: having or exhibiting majesty : stately

majestic mountains

majestically

mə-ˈje-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• classy
• courtly
• elegant
• fine
• graceful
• handsome
• refined
• stately
• tasteful

Choose the Right Synonym for majestic

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of majestic in a Sentence

a majestic pillar of society who continues to entertain in grand style

a majestic Egyptian pyramid that has enthralled travelers for aeons

Recent Examples on the Web

The benefit to guests, of course, is running into these majestic creatures all around the island; an encounter with the gentle lemurs—who will eat from your hand and climb atop your shoulder for a ride—really captures the magic of this endeavor. —Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2024

Fans of two-tone style will appreciate the model’s Bernina Gray dial, a tribute to the color of the Alpine landscape, home to the majestic raptors that lend the collection their name. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2024

In those majestic 6 minutes, 37 seconds, the Warriors out-scored Portland 17-1. —Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

As Lady Diana Spencer climbed the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29, 1981, to marry Prince Charles, her majestic wedding dress with its 25-foot train brought a royal fairy tale to life. —Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

And McCrimmon, whose voice grows more majestic and multi-hued as the musical’s emotion ramps up, delivers this aching anthem with heartrending virtuosity. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024

But by the time the 28-minute overture concluded, the sextet had been as ferocious as a pack of bloodthirsty velociraptors, and majestic as a pack of gliding pterodactyls. —Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024

Flamingo Pond offers up the pink, graceful beauty of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. —Claire Volkman, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

The majestic tranquility of Kind of Blue marks a kind of fermata in jazz. —James Kaplan, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈjes-tik 

: being stately and dignified : noble

majestically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb