1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grandiose differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grandiose are grand, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," 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 can grand be used instead of grandiose?

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

a grand staircase

When is imposing a more appropriate choice than grandiose?

In some situations, the words imposing and grandiose are roughly equivalent. However, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of grandiose?

The words magnificent and grandiose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for grandiose?

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

a majestic waterfall

When would stately be a good substitute for grandiose?

The synonyms stately and grandiose are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 grandiose While the thought is grandiose in theory, why wouldn’t Jay-Z entertain the idea of Drake responding to his bitter adversary on the world’s biggest stage? Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025 The property at 2020 West Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City is grandiose. David Caraccio, Sacramento Bee, 6 Feb. 2025 Such a grandiose vision requires numerous trips between Earth and other worlds, driving the desire for reusability. Eric MacK, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Musk has made grandiose claims about the amount of money DOGE has saved the government, but the math has been filled with errors. Angrej Singh, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
Adjective
  • Sinise called the museum magnificent — and something love overdue to recognize American heroes.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Legendary head coach Rick Pitino has done a magnificent job coaching the Red Storm this campaign, as the team went 30-4 this season and is on a nine-game win streak heading into the NCAA tournament, most recently winning the Big East tournament championship over Creighton.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.
    David Nour, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Panthers eliminated his Bruins from the playoffs each of the past two seasons, first in an epic seven-game series to open the 2023 playoffs to begin a magical run to the Cup Final and then in six games last season in Round 2 on the way to winning their first Cup.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2025
  • This museum returns with an exceptional grasp on how reality and romance form memories, and how memories become self-mythologies that shape history when wielded on an epic scale.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Do that five or six times and then garnish with a celery stalk, and perhaps something ostentatious like a poached shrimp or a cheeseburger, and enjoy.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Of clothing: not showy, ostentatious, or overly revealing.
    Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • From a glorious span that included winning the 2013 MLS Cup and eight straight postseason appearances, Peter Vermes’ Sporting KC club hadn’t finished higher than eighth in the league standings since 2021.
    Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
  • The Frick Collection celebrated its reopening Monday night with a black tie gala befitting its glorious surroundings.
    Bettina Zilkha, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s a certain traditional stereotype of actors as people who are arrogant or self-confident, the sort of people who are overly serious, aloof, or pretentious.
    Callum Booth, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Accusing it of being pretentious, an ego trip, and lacking depth.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Mar. 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
  • Basden could have slicked up his acting with a lot of pompous pop star clichés.
    Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Still, this adaptation of an O. Henry story tilts all its sympathies toward the outlaw hero the Cisco Kid (Warner Baxter, in a Best Actor–winning role) and away from the pompous white soldier charged with tracking him down.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiose. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grandiose

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!