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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 So now the Bears have to navigate this process with honesty, skill and grand ambition. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 11 Dec. 2024 We are deeply honored to be invited to participate in such a grand event in the fashion industry here in Hong Kong. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024 This ritual symbolized the opening of Notre Dame for its grand reopening. NBC News, 7 Dec. 2024 Even as the technology advances by leaps and bounds, many older models remain perfectly capable—and sometimes more than grand cheaper. Simon Hill, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grand 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
Adjective
  • One of Estoril’s top hotels is the magnificent Palacio Estoril, a 5-star hotel renowned for its exceptional Spa and Wellness offerings.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The magnificent decor, courtesy of Bronson Van Wyck, continued to draw on the work with a rose arch, decadent centerpieces, and towering candles.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The home's main entrance consists of double glass doors that open onto the living room.
    Adam Williams, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Who wants a sharp pry sticking them in the leg the whole hike, only to have its thin, weird, undersized knife come up short on the most basic of cutting tasks?
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Even those folks out there who want to eliminate government waste still expect their payments and services to come whole and on time.
    Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The latest forecast is the most unusually warm issued by the center on such a large scale in more than 15 years, according to climatologist Brian Brettschneider.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
  • Combining forces would allow the two companies to fend off Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, at home and abroad.
    Bloomberg, The Mercury News, 18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • But red is also the color of the tunic of cardinals, as well as the velvet cloaks worn throughout history by the great aristocratic families.
    Laura Tortora, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Early in the design process, the owners told the team about their love of Florence’s Palazzo Tornabuoni, a grand 15th-century aristocratic home that has been reimagined as a 21st-century private-residence club.
    Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 1 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The residents of this wonderful city hold a special place in my heart.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Watch The Small One on Disney+ Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas This short holiday special catches up with the Ice Age characters at the most wonderful time of the year … well, in theory.
    Sydni Ellis, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Her yearlong renovation included the addition of custom millwork, wide-plank flooring, and air-conditioning necessitated by the huge south-facing window that floods the space with sunlight.
    Michael Boodro, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The Eagles came out victorious in front of a raucous Philly crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in a cross-state battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers that could have huge ramifications in the battle for home-field advantage in the playoffs.
    Sam Joseph and, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Alas, awards-season history seems to be repeating itself with Pachinko, the glorious Apple TV+ adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s novel.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Updated for a new era, the show succeeded on its glorious score that Coleman made speak in sometimes unexpected but always thrilling ways.
    Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near grand

Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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