grandeur

noun

gran·​deur ˈgran-jər 

-ˌju̇r,

-ˌd(y)u̇r,

-d(y)ər

1

: the quality or state of being grand : magnificence

the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome

—E. A. Poe

2

: an instance or example of grandeur

visited the awesome grandeurs of the American West

Synonyms

• augustness
• brilliance
• gloriousness
• glory
• gorgeousness
• grandness
• magnificence
• majesty
• nobility
• nobleness
• resplendence
• resplendency
• splendidness
• splendiferousness
• splendor
• stateliness
• stupendousness
• sublimeness
• superbness

Examples of grandeur in a Sentence

His paintings capture the beauty and grandeur of the landscape.

They are restoring the hotel to its original grandeur.

Recent Examples on the Web

With the earthy velvet and leather seating, the restaurant is both intimate with a twist of grandeur. —Rooksana Hossenally, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

The pungent scent of the spiky fruit is mellowed by the cream, a worthy endnote that mimics the grandeur of its surroundings. —The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024

Intricate ceiling design can lend such formal rooms an even greater air of grandeur. —Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2024

In its repetition, grandeur, and astounding silence, the composition carves out life, death, and the afterlife. —Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from Old French, from grand

First Known Use

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

grandeur

noun

gran·​deur ˈgran-jər 

1

: the quality or state of being grand : awe-inspiring magnificence

2

: something that is grand