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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

Examples 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 At the Peabody Memphis, five resident mallard ducks rule the roost and waddle through this institution's grand lobby twice a day. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 5 Nov. 2024 Its infrared sensors were able to peer past large clouds of dust and gas to capture a grand spectacle of creation, a cluster of blue stars erupting into being. Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 In the grand tradition of Pink Floyd, a round screen hovered above the stage for film reels and closeups of musicians. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024 For the triennial, the museum has also interspersed Carnegie-era rugs, drapery and upholstered furniture, reuniting the grand landmark’s present incarnation with its prior life as the Carnegie family home. Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Every three years, the nation’s cutting-edge designers, artists and architects convene at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York for its triennial to interpret the creative and cultural themes of contemporary life—always with magnificent, eye-catching surprises.
    Jacoba Urist, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024
  • There’s the magnificent installation from Poland’s Magdalena Abakanowicz, which cascades to the floor like two feathering wings, only to melt into maroon runways.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The zinc gradually lost its hold on the cables suspending the telescope’s main platform over the reflector dish.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The measure’s main opponents, the state Republican Party and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, did not appear to raise any money to campaign against the proposition.
    Ethan Varian, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms.
    Margaret Jackson, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The Wi-Fi signals merely prevent the radio telescope from taking observations from a specific part of the radio spectrum—but not the whole thing.
    Michael Kan, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Hezbollah is a 40-year-old organization with a large social base, a political party represented in Lebanon’s parliament and cabinet, and Iranian state backing.
    Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Incident types are numbered 1-5 — a type 1 incident is a large, complex wildfire affecting people and critical infrastructure, a type 5 incident is a small wildfire with few personnel involved.
    Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The mood was one of happy improvisation, a sort of aristocratic Fawlty Towers art-directed by Slim Aarons.
    Nick Foulkes, theweek, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Hotel Esencia | Originally the private home of an Italian Duchess located 45-minutes north of Tulum, Esencia maintains its aristocratic character in the hands of owner Kevin Wendle.
    Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The box includes only a USB-A-to-USB-C cable for charging. Sound: Powerful Bass and Clean Highs Simply put, the Bose SoundLink Home sounds wonderful.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Then there’s Cleo’s nervy 30-something daughter, Grace — the wonderful Zoë Geltman — who’s always been the good girl but whose loins are newly afire for her brother-in-law, Roy (Gabriel Brown).
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The details of the deal aren’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of things for the franchise, but Moody inked a sweet contract and can play himself into even more money.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Here's a huge price drop on a very capable convertible Chromebook.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • As the boy who gets his wish to be big, Hanks gives a glorious, hilarious, and sweet performance as a 12-year-old in a grown-up’s body.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024
  • Observe the treasured buzz of Italians socializing: dancers in traditional costumes at community celebrations; families regularly gathering to share platters of food on long tables; youthful flirting of sunbathers together under glorious skies.
    Laura Manske, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near grand

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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