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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand are roughly equivalent. However, 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 can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

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

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

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 grand At the same time, grand hotels like Palm Springs' El Mirador began drawing high-profile visitors from Los Angeles, about 100 miles away. Rachel Treisman, NPR, 16 Apr. 2025 The crowd roared as Trump made a grand entrance into the arena just before the main card got underway. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025 The bridal party made a grand entrance into the park by automobile with a police escort and accompanied by two brass bands. Jeremy Drouin, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2025 In the grand scheme, Thomas Doyle’s journey shows that when ambition meets innovation and purpose, visionary outcomes come to life. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Their odd-couple pairing became a magnificent slow burn of hatred into grudging respect into genuine affection, making for a tantalizing will-they-won't-they.
    Tyler Aquilina, EW.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • These are magnificent achievements that propel Hellebuyck beyond back-to-back Vezina Trophy consideration and into Hart territory while proving that Connor and Scheifele can score while playing better defence than earlier in their careers.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Approach with caution, look at reviews, and maybe don’t use your main credit card (or at least keep your bank’s dispute line handy).
    Francesca Krempa, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Boseman, who died in 2020 at age 43, was completely committed to his main character of T'Challa in the Marvel movie about the advanced kingdom of Wakanda, Coogler recalled on a recent episode of Power 105.1 FM's The Breakfast Club.
    Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There was this whole dream sequence with Kate and a ping pong show and the girls doing their puppet dance from childhood where Jaclyn’s the face and Laurie’s the arms.
    Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Whoever did the burying went to the trouble of making the whole thing look like a natural hill.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • What the characters can or cannot do in response, and the catharsis they’re prevented from attaining, are both key parts of their story, and of life in the West Bank at large — a reality Nabulsi conveys in stark, realistic hues, despite her first-feature growing pains.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Having first launched in 2004, the Like a Version series has gone from being a near-impromptu acoustic affair to featuring larger studio productions.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In reality, McArthur was a bull-rider from Clinton and a far cry from the aristocratic type others had pegged him for, Lyons said.
    Tony Holt, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The largely middle-class Liberals replaced Britain's aristocratic Whigs in the 19th century only to be supplanted themselves by the working-class Labor Party in the 20th century.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the short term, the result is a huge boost for Real ahead of their midweek trip to Arsenal, not least because so many key players will be fresh.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • GLP-1s are a huge driver of spend for the state’s Medicaid program, making up 35% of the $242 million net pharmaceutical spending.
    Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This extraordinary group rallied together for a single glorious vision: to win four straight playoff games against the finest teams in college football.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • To Step Down As Managing Director Of Singapore’s Hotel Properties The quarter-final marathon against Arthur Fils was the best of the bunch, a captivating young twentysomething match-up of warrior spirits that was reminiscent of Alcaraz’s defeat by Musetti back in that glorious encounter in Germany.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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