grandiose
adjective
ˌgran-dē-ˈōs
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When it comes to bigness, there’s grand and then there’s grandiose. Both words can be used to describe something impressive in size, scope, or effect, but while grand may lend its noun a bit of dignity (i.e., “we had a grand time”), grandiose often implies a whiff of pretension. The difference between a grand plan for the city park and a grandiose one, for example, might be the difference between a tasteful fountain and a garden full of topiaries cut in the shapes of 19th century literary figures. So if you’re choosing between the two, a helpful mnemonic might be that the extra letters in grandiose suggest that one’s ideas, claims, promises, schemes, dreams—you get the idea—are a bit extra.
Synonyms
Examples of grandiose in a Sentence
Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Real, systemic change doesn’t always come from sweeping initiatives or grandiose visions.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024
It was called Rise of the Necromancer, which suggested some sort of grandiose expansion, but all players received was a new class, which made the price tag sting.
—Jason Schreier, WIRED, 8 Oct. 2024
An engagement ring is purchased, often at a hefty price, and the ring is given to the betrothed in some form of grandiose memorable ceremonial fashion.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near grandiose
Cite this Entry
“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grandiose. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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grandiose
adjective
Medical Definition
grandiose
adjective
ˌgran-dē-ˈ
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