1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective majestic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of majestic are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When could grand be used to replace majestic?

Although the words grand and majestic have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

In what contexts can grandiose take the place of majestic?

The words grandiose and majestic can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use imposing instead of majestic?

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

an imposing edifice

When can magnificent be used instead of majestic?

While in some cases nearly identical to majestic, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

Where would stately be a reasonable alternative to majestic?

While the synonyms stately and majestic 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 majestic Iceland to Greenland polar cruise Duration: 13 days Embark on an extraordinary 13-day journey into the heart of Greenland's majestic Scoresby Sund aboard the state-of-the-art polar expedition vessel, Sylvia Earle. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025 But if all goes to plan, the majestic ship will embark on its journey to Florida on Saturday after some setbacks that delayed its original departure late last year. Danny Freeman, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025 Resting near the top of a utility pole, the majestic bird was impossible to miss, with that telltale snow-white plumage. Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025 The majestic Midland Theatre opened its doors just before the Great Depression began. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for majestic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for majestic
Adjective
  • Pearce’s warm, earthy vocal tones highlight the song’s graceful melody.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Feb. 2025
  • In many ways, writer-director Jing Yi’s graceful and ephemeral drama, The Botanist (Zhi Wu Xue Jia), plays out like your typical coming-of-age movie.
    Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In Cairo, the Sphinx, the Giza Pyramids and the magnificent Pyramid of Cheops beckon.
    Rona Berg, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Playing for Team Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Karlsson was magnificent in all three of his appearances.
    Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Paper Doll is eloquent and occasionally wrenching about the desire to get out — out of toxic situations, out of the view of paparazzi, and out of one’s own head.
    Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In voice-over narration, Angela communicated directly to the audience and shared her innermost thoughts — sometimes eloquent, sometimes inane but always authentic to the volatile experience of being a teenager.
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The handsome toddler wore a black baseball cap, blue and burgundy vintage Philadelphia Phillies jersey, white linen pants, and vans.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Nicole and her husband, renowned plastic surgeon Ted Richardson (Maurice Johnson), are surrogate parents to Ted’s nephew, Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman), a handsome and flirty photographer whose parents died in a plane crash.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The glorious roars, screams, chants, cheers and whistles of approval don’t stop.
    Funmi Fetto, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025
  • And there’s a glorious selection of rental homes and condos situated on both the ocean and the harbor.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Having a formal parenting plan in place is a good idea for multiple reasons.
    Jann Blackstone, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Turkey’s membership in the NATO alliance, which entails a formal commitment to democracy and to the integrity of borders, did not stand in Erdogan’s way.
    Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Its classic trim with elegant details on each door can dress up a modern interior or pair with traditional decor to elevate any space.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Among the standout pieces in the second H&M spring 2025 limited-edition Ramadan collection, semi-shiny satins, jacquards and hammered fabrics add an elegant and luxurious touch.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Hope no one misses out on this edge of the seat epic showdown!
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The result is an epic tale of androids and AI warring in the aftermath of human civilization.
    Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Majestic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/majestic. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on majestic

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!