1
2
3
4
5
6
7

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

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 grand Some opted for grand affairs at Gilded Age mansions; others, at City Hall. Elise Taylor, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2025 The team behind The Traitors UK has come up with another mystery format located in a grand setting, this time for Channel 4. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2025 After the February 2023 earthquakes, there were grand predictions that the disaster would topple Erdoğan’s long reign. Emily Wither, The Dial, 13 Feb. 2025 But behind its grand Victorian façade, a colony of moths living in the insulation wreaked havoc across the house, which contains a pool, spa, gym, cinema and wine room. Issy Ronald, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Regenstein Hall, which houses the exhibition, looks magnificent.
    Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Connecting with your kindred will be magnificent now.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Join 8 others in the comments View Comments Tesla, BYD’s main rival, has released similar Full Self-Driving features in the US for a subscription fee of $99 a month or a one time payment of $8,000.
    Hassan Tayir, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The Scottsdale crash was caused by mechanical failure, specifically the collapse of the left main landing gear.
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Last night, the show celebrated its premiere in Los Angeles, and the whole A-list crew turned out for the affair.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The product is front and center in the whole thing.
    Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Roach, known for styling A-list clients like Zendaya and Celine Dion, styled himself for courtside chic with a knee-length fur over a merlot sweater and silky pants in the same hue, an extra large Bottega Veneta woven leather clutch and oversized Chanel sunglasses as the finishing touches.
    Anika Reed, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Attempting to turn Roan’s call to support artists — especially those who have been put through the wringer of the industry only to later be spit out and discarded — into an ego competition reflects an intentional disregarding of the larger structural failings plaguing the music industry.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Such features, which began appearing in high-status homes around the 10th century, were rare and signified a royal or aristocratic residence.
    Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Central France has been occupied off and on for thousands of years, by aristocratic families to nomadic tribes.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tucci hosts the popular Tucci - The Heart of Italy show which tours the country sampling and celebrating the wonderful food that originates there.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • This is a debut entry and a wonderful term that’s new to me.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • After Welcoming Daughter Golden Large fish could be seen swimming in a huge floor-to-ceiling tank behind them.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • There is a huge, huge demand for the film in the United States.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Our groceries are full of glorious winter citrus, which adds brightness to this ethereal dessert, which is bound to entice your Valentine.
    Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The latest immersive work from documentary master Claire Simon takes us into Makarenko, a public elementary school in the Parisian suburb Ivry-sur-Seine, over the course of a school year, staying attentive to the glorious unpredictability of human interaction and the revelations of learning.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grand

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grand

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!