magnificent

adjective

mag-ˈni-fə-sənt How to pronounce magnificent (audio)
Definition of magnificentnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In fact, observations of these masers have proved that our Milky Way is a magnificent example of a spiral galaxy. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2025 Regenstein Hall, which houses the exhibition, looks magnificent. —Lori Waxman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 Connecting with your kindred will be magnificent now. —Kyle Thomas, People.com, 16 Feb. 2025 In addition to magnificent natural landscapes, medieval towns and striking cities, a new state-of-the-art studio complex in Vienna now offers a comprehensive range of services to support productions in the Austrian capital. —Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
  1. glorious
  2. epic
  3. majestic
  4. imposing
  5. massive
  6. proud
  7. impressive
  8. grand
Adjective
  • Tonight’s column marks the glorious return of Lady Gaga, who is pulling double duty as host and musical guest.
    — Andy Hoglund, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The showcase also marked the glorious return of pro wrestler Jade Cargill, who had been absent from WWE TV since she was attacked backstage on Friday Night SmackDown in November.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of glorious
Adjective
  • Johnson’s Canes were hated and booed on the road (the trips to Notre Dame were epic) and loved every minute of it.
    — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
  • As with Abloh and Williams, this new partnership promises to be epic.
    — Jessica Diner, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of epic
Adjective
  • The matriarch of the Dutton family, who writes letters to Spencer like diary entries, is the majestic Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton with a gruff Harrison Ford impeccably playing her loving husband, Jacob Dutton.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The setup was a never-ending path of majestic olive trees, their branches forming a natural canopy with a single long, rectangular dining table, dressed with simple yet elegant décor.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of majestic
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
Definition of imposing
Adjective
  • Paying the high acquisition cost to get him would be a massive risk.
    — Peter Baugh, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Additionally, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon each signed separate nuclear energy agreements late last year in anticipation of the massive energy demands of their AI plans.
    — Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • So for him, super proud of him and for him first and foremost.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Angie Stone was proud to be an Honorary Member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
    — DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Carriacou also has an impressive lineup of events throughout the year, including its own Carnival celebration every February and a famed regatta, giving travelers plenty of reasons to hop on the ferry or flight from Grenada. Petite Martinique The island of Petite Martinique is, indeed, petite.
    — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Schultz and Smith both pitched three impressive scoreless innings in their two Cactus League outings.
    — LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of impressive
Adjective
  • Despite the grand claims that AI will revolutionize every industry, the reality is far less impressive.
    — Virginie Berger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The grand awards show will kick off Sunday and feature the Hollywood greats, some from Chicago.
    — Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of grand

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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