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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 The bright lights of the top flight would bring more investment, more investors, higher-profile names and grand plans. Beren Cross, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 The tourbillon is assembled by hand in JLC’s grand complication workshop. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Jan. 2025 Today, those grand designs are colliding with a warming climate. José María León Cabrera, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024 Forbes is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Making long-term habit changes isn't about grand New Year’s resolutions but about taking small, actionable steps that stick. Amy Slenker-Smith, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • Several national parks, including Grand Teton, Glacier and, of course, Rocky Mountain, are all part of this magnificent mountain range, which stretches into Canada.
    Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
  • United, managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, had a magnificent side, yet the iconic picture doesn’t tell the whole story.
    Andy Mitten, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • As for Monday night’s other matches, Jey Uso defeated Drew McIntyre and CM Punk defeated Seth Rollins in a brutal main event.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 7 Jan. 2025
  • Nick’s Kitchen & The Next Chapter Nick’s main channel has largely shifted toward food entertainment, but his love for serious cooking hasn’t faded.
    Jon Youshaei, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The bulk of their diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains.
    Allison Aubrey, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Complex carbs, such as whole fruits, beans, and whole grains, are largely unprocessed and contain nutrients that benefit health, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.1 For example, whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel: the germ, the endosperm, and the bran.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Hamas has come under overwhelming pressure from Israel’s invasion of Gaza’s largest cities and towns and seizure of the border between Gaza and Egypt.
    Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
  • The largest contract in the history of soccer was Lionel Messi’s four-year deal with Barcelona worth as much as $673 million with incentives and bonuses—Messi did not earn the full amount.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Follow your gallery tour with a visit to another villa that once belonged to an aristocratic family—Villa Medici.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
  • After her Emmy win for Succession, Snook took home an Olivier for playing all 26 roles in this new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s witty, haunting novel of vanity, aristocratic cruelty, and greed.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The song not only became a huge viral hit, but also reached the No.1 position for the first time in history, a milestone that also represents a breakthrough for the traditional carranga music genre, which has recently found a new place in the music industry.
    Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 15 Jan. 2025
  • However, there are a huge number of potentially harmful contaminants that are not regulated, meaning that their levels in drinking water are neither monitored nor controlled.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • But its glorious catalog lay in disarray, waiting for an astute buyer willing to mine its precious gems.
    Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The glorious few who still worry about the decline of Palm Beach society speculated wildly that Trump was planning to legalize gambling and build a casino, or — the truly frightening possibility — subdivide his acreage and sell houses.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grand

Cite this Entry

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

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