Synonym Chooser

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

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 magnificent Vila Joya, Albufeira, Algarve A petite collection of magnificent houses, Vila Joya is geographically near Albufeira but psychologically worlds away from that party hub. Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 One-day entry costs $60 ($25 for students), or $80 for unlimited visits through Tuesday, a modest price for a magnificent experience to see masterpieces that may be on view for the first or last time. Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 In an era that looked as if it might be defined by an American man of depraved cruelty, corruption, and shame, what a magnificent thing the Catholic Church has done. Jason Lemon, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025 Maasai Mara, Kenya July is great for: a magnificent movement en masse. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • The last 12 months have seen glorious triumph turn into dismay.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • In the meanwhile, Stabler is incredibly rash and approaches Tanner with just a flak vest and a radio headset over his fancy suit and glorious dome.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • What Is The Premise of the New Season of Phineas and Ferb? Phineas Flynn, his stepbrother Ferb Fletcher, and their crew of friends are still planning and embarking on epic summer adventures.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 28 May 2025
  • Another twist in the tale of what has been an epic play-off tournament in Argentina.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Combining majestic 16th-century pageantry with thrilling gondola races, this event is a true Venetian spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors for an unforgettable display of tradition and color.
    Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Its history is reflected in the town’s architecture, including the majestic Plaza Mayor square, which features a statue of Pizarro himself.
    Carlsen Jes, Travel + Leisure, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • The far more imposing limit is MLS’s global standing.
    Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
  • And on the other hand, in a world where most of their top arms remain healthy and effective, the Dodgers could possess one of the most imposing starting pitching staffs in recent memory.
    Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Stanton was a massive piece of the Yankees' run to the World Series last season, and his return is expected to make the Yankees' lineup more dangerous.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • Every hurricane season in Florida comes with uncertainty but there’s a surprising new source of questions this year surrounding the federal agency that responds to disasters and has historically helped pay for often massive cleanup and recovery costs.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • They were thanked for coming by loyal Canadians, clearly proud of their head of state.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • At Ferrara, which has a long, proud history of making candy in Chicago, the business outlook is still positive, according to Greg Guidotti, chief marketing officer.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Luckily, June brings an impressive lineup of new and returning shows, including The Bear, Squid Game, The Gilded Age and more.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • There was an impressive level of fluidity in the side, with right-winger Helmut Rahn tending to stick to his role, but the others rotating within matches.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rather than crying, the resilient bride smiled and waved at everyone as she was wheeled out of the party on a gurney, where guests gave her a grand exit at the back of the building with wedding sparklers.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • This is because, for a great leader, every conflict or opposition is a grand opportunity to upsell, impress and influence their critics and detractors.
    Ashutosh Labroo, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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