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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in graceful
having or showing elegance
a stately dowager in an evening gown
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stately
The governor lives in a stately official residence with servants.
—
Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Not only do people come from all over the world, but the swim is also ingrained in the locals, who grew up watching these stately mammals swim from one island to another.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
This historic train station, dating back to 1881, still has original 65-foot ceilings, oversized windows and stately chandeliers.
—Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Built in 1886, the stately house features beautiful decor, ornamental fireplaces and multiple luxury suites with comfortable beds, whirlpool tubs, and some rooms have outdoor balconies overlooking Louisville's Central Park.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Steve Bousquet, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Not only do people come from all over the world, but the swim is also ingrained in the locals, who grew up watching these stately mammals swim from one island to another.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 July 2025
This historic train station, dating back to 1881, still has original 65-foot ceilings, oversized windows and stately chandeliers.
—Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 2 July 2025
Built in 1886, the stately house features beautiful decor, ornamental fireplaces and multiple luxury suites with comfortable beds, whirlpool tubs, and some rooms have outdoor balconies overlooking Louisville's Central Park.
—Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
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The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.—
Jeff Rueter,
The Athletic,
8 Feb. 2025
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And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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The maxi gown featured a relaxed turtleneck, a bold red lily print and graceful draping down the length of her body.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
21 July 2025
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With sculpted foliage and large, graceful blooms, Japanese anemones make a lovely tall groundcover or masing in mixed borders.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
18 July 2025
Adjective
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The mansion’s marble stair hall focuses on a magnificent clock, designed by White and Saint-Gaudens, built into a wall and surrounded by the figures of the zodiac.—
Henry Wiencek
July 22,
Literary Hub,
22 July 2025
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The building was a synagogue and the room, which had a magnificent candelabra chandelier at its center, had only a few candles lit.—
Rabbi Moishe Kievman,
Sun Sentinel,
22 July 2025
Adjective
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The fort’s majestic presence not only symbolizes the Caribbean flavors of Puerto Rican heritage, but also serves as a reminder of the influences that have shaped Towers’ unique artistry.—
Ingrid Fajardo,
Billboard,
17 July 2025
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Matt Damon and Chris Hemsworth have become regular visitors while A-listers from Julia Roberts to Tom Hiddleston and the Rolling Stones have been spotted at the city’s majestic Maria Cristina hotel.—
Eddi Fiegel,
Robb Report,
17 July 2025
Adjective
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The King of Umbria Red Wines Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG is another wine for people who love elegant tannins and a richly fruity taste.—
Elisabetta Tosi,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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Rooks looked like an elegant bride in a long classy strapless gown with her hair pulled back.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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But fall offers another harvest season — a glorious harvest season.—
Paul Cappiello,
The Courier-Journal,
18 July 2025
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There are few things as glorious as a perfect summer night spent at a music festival, listening to your favorite artists as the sun sets at golden hour.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
13 July 2025
Adjective
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Try asking the same question in different ways: formal versus casual, with different cultural references, or from different perspectives.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
19 July 2025
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Ordered, balanced, formal, and restrained, the chapel draws from Wren’s and James Gibbs’s churches.—
Brian T. Allen,
National Review,
19 July 2025
Adjective
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Peggy meets a handsome doctor from Newport whose family is less than enthusiastic about her career.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
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Right now, a wide variety of styles are available for a fraction of their original price, like these preppy Sperry Top-Sider Men’s Gold Cup Boat Shoe Loafers, $65 off, that are suited for sun, sand, and surf, but are handsome enough to wear out to dinner.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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