1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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 The banner was awarded to the Libertyville branch during a grand rally in conjunction with a stump speech for Lincoln’s campaign, according to Barry. Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 This means there is no grand entrance, no driveway, no arrival procedure. Chiara Barzini, Vogue, 3 June 2025 His apology to Catherine in the hospital wasn’t some grand redemptive moment. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 2 June 2025 Rather than crying, the resilient bride smiled and waved at everyone as she was wheeled out of the party on a gurney, where guests gave her a grand exit at the back of the building with wedding sparklers. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • This affluent neighborhood is known for its lush green spaces, magnificent architecture and proximity to some of London's most popular attractions.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • In four days his radical, magnificent Broadway reworking of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Blvd. will be competing for seven Tony Awards, including one for his direction, one each for his two stars Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Francis, and one for Best Musical Revival.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Homelessness is certainly a major problem, said Julie Hayden, CEO of the East County Transitional Living Center, the area’s main shelter.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Greenwood never played for his boyhood club again, despite the charges being dropped in February 2023 when the prosecution’s main witness withdrew her cooperation.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • For all its superlative, death-defying success (and excess), the franchise ends in a predictable place: swallowed whole, like everything else.
    Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 30 May 2025
  • Even when the wildfires were happening, people were still going to work and their whole neighborhoods were burning down.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The full-service firm works with clients on projects of all sizes, including large renovations and new constructions, and guides each project from start to finish, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the entire home.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2025
  • Over 1,000 cattle or calf pairs also qualify as a large CAFO.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • Don’t be fooled by its aristocratic interiors—rates start at around $180 per night—and be sure to make reservations at the hotel’s excellent Asturian restaurant, whose dishes spotlight local ingredients like sea urchin caviar and smoked Los Caserinos cheese.
    Siobhan Reid, Vogue, 28 May 2025
  • But instead of roaming around 18th century Europe fueled by an aristocratic family fortune, today’s Beautiful People (also called the BPs) are traveling the world and soaking up culture courtesy of big luxury brands.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Your wonderful dog may or may not hanker to break routine and go on holiday.
    John Oseid, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • My daughter came to live with us for nine wonderful years.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Okonkwo made a huge impression in north Wales and his move was made permanent last summer on a free transfer.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Last year in May, heavy rains caused a huge billboard to collapse, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens more.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In the meanwhile, Stabler is incredibly rash and approaches Tanner with just a flak vest and a radio headset over his fancy suit and glorious dome.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grand

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!