stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

1

a

: marked by lofty or imposing dignity

b

: haughty, unapproachable

2

: impressive in size or proportions

stateliness noun

stately adverb

Synonyms of stately

• imposing

Choose the Right Synonym for stately

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 stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

a stately dowager in an evening gown

Recent Examples on the Web

Joe Pye weed is a tall and stately plant that attracts bees and butterflies and doesn’t mind soggy soil. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 5 May 2026

Those who take the time to admire the stately tree, however, will find awe in its scale and its age. —Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 3 May 2026

The traditional main residence showcases intricate molding and dark wood flooring throughout, from the grand formal living and dining rooms to the more casual sitting rooms and breakfast nook, with practically all the spaces featuring stately fireplaces. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026

Still, Charles is not Starmer, and has a more stately and less political role to play, Bergmann said. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing stately

• stately home

Rhymes for stately

• innately
• ornately
• pinnately
• sedately
• greatly
• lately
• precipitately

Kids Definition

stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē 

statelier; stateliest

: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size

stateliness noun