MAGNIFICENT Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'magnificent' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of magnificent are grandiose , grand , imposing , majestic , and stately . While all these words mean "large and impressive," magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste. // magnificent paintings

Q: When would 'grand' be a good substitute for 'magnificent'?

While the synonyms grand and magnificent are close in meaning, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity. // a grand staircase

Q: When is 'grandiose' a more appropriate choice than 'magnificent'?

In some situations, the words grandiose and magnificent 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

Q: In what contexts can 'imposing' take the place of 'magnificent'?

The words imposing and magnificent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness. // an imposing edifice

Q: How is 'majestic' related to other words for 'magnificent'?

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

Q: When might 'stately' be a better fit than 'magnificent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to magnificent , stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement. // the stately procession

magnificent

adjective

mag-ˈni-fə-sənt

Definition of magnificent next

as in glorious

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a magnificent mansion that still takes away the breath of visitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective magnificent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of magnificent are grandiose, grand, imposing, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

When would grand be a good substitute for magnificent?

While the synonyms grand and magnificent are close in meaning, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

When is grandiose a more appropriate choice than magnificent?

In some situations, the words grandiose and magnificent 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

In what contexts can imposing take the place of magnificent?

The words imposing and magnificent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

How is majestic related to other words for magnificent?

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

a majestic waterfall

When might stately be a better fit than magnificent?

While in some cases nearly identical to magnificent, 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 magnificent How, for one magnificent season in 1981, a Mexican immigrant electrified a city that had long treated its Mexican residents as little better than the help, winning the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year while propelling the team to its first World Series win in 16 years. —

Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024 So, my attraction to Dial was not only about his achievement [as an artist], which is magnificent and endlessly meaningful, with such immense symbolic and material possibilities, but there was always another level of the challenge and the thrill of where does this belong? —

Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 21 Oct. 2024 Boasting exquisite gardens, sprawling estates, and history around every corner, these 20 magnificent edifices have been transformed into accommodations suitable for the present-day traveler. —

Allix Cott, Architectural Digest, 18 Oct. 2024 With plenty of overnight accommodations, cool boutiques, artsy finds, and Southern cuisine, visitors can enjoy both the arts and the scenery, which is extra magnificent in the fall. —

Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnificent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent

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