majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈje-stik 

: having or exhibiting majesty : stately

majestic mountains

majestically

mə-ˈje-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• classy
• courtly
• elegant
• fine
• graceful
• handsome
• refined
• stately
• tasteful

Choose the Right Synonym for majestic

grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

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

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of majestic in a Sentence

a majestic pillar of society who continues to entertain in grand style

a majestic Egyptian pyramid that has enthralled travelers for aeons

Recent Examples on the Web

For spectacular phenomena at the other end of the temperature scale, majestic icebergs, many of them formed by glaciers some tens of million of years ago, are one of Antarctica’s biggest attractions. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 2 Nov. 2024

Having this remarkable 15-pound bird perched on my glove with its 5-inch talons wrapped around my wrist was a profound moment that reminded me of Jim Fowler’s connection with this majestic species and his lifelong passion for wildlife conservation. —Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Seeing one majestic coastal bird triggers a memory for Allison. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

The designs were majestic too—think long kimonos, body-con pieces, and turtle neck capes. —Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈjes-tik 

: being stately and dignified : noble

majestically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb