1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

The words imposing and stately are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for stately?

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

a majestic waterfall

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 stately College aspirations and realities Percy Julian Middle School sits on a block surrounded by tidy older homes and stately brick apartment buildings in Oak Park. Jackie Valley, Christian Science Monitor, 28 May 2025 Later on, the English playwright Noël Coward and his partner John C. Wilson, a Broadway producer, owned the stately spread, and over the years, several stars of screen and stage used Pebbles as a summer getaway, including Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, and Richard Rodgers. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 28 May 2025 Shift in your seat for glimpses of the stately Washington Monument, just two long city blocks away. Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 28 May 2025 Bring stately elements into your existing space with the defining features of Federal-style architecture. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • 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
  • The graceful bridge overlooking the water lily ponds has been the setting of thousands of group photos over the years.
    Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • Kevin Harlan and Ernie Johnson Jr. delivered eloquent, graceful sign-offs when TNT concluded 35 years of NBA coverage on Saturday night.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
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
  • Its history is reflected in the town’s architecture, including the majestic Plaza Mayor square, which features a statue of Pizarro himself.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
  • Combining majestic 16th-century pageantry with thrilling gondola races, this event is a true Venetian spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors for an unforgettable display of tradition and color.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • And Just Like That… is, for lack of a more elegant term, so goddamn weird this season.
    Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 6 June 2025
  • The newest model continues to fuse advanced materials with Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create a timepiece that is durable, precise and elegant.
    Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 6 June 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
Adjective
  • More impressive millwork defines the passageways to the formal dining and living rooms.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • The city is still preparing its formal response to the findings.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Here the handsome yellow and gray Palazzo del Capitolo building is close to Jana’s Café, where tank topped and tattooed visitors sipped rather than chugged espressos.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • These escapades are set in 1950 and have a handsome vintage color palette of white, gray, green, metal and wood.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

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!