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 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 The otherworldly dunes here resemble the iconic mounds at New Mexico’s White Sands National Park and are magnificent enough to take your breath away. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Feb. 2025 Everyone is engaging, the art is magnificent and the whole thing pleasant, if overly cozy and hagiographic. Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
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
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
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
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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Angie Stone was proud to be an Honorary Member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • So for him, super proud of him and for him first and foremost.
    Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Both are great performances with impressive choreography, interesting sets and powerhouse vocals.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The eight-episode second season of XO, Kitty premiered two weeks before The Recruit’s second installment and the series was renewed for Season 3 a month later after netting an impressive 27.1 million views in its first three weeks.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • For all the grand scale of Mickey 17’s dystopian setting, Bong sought ways to keep it feeling grounded.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
  • In celebration of cherry blossom season, the hotel has transformed its grand lobby and Peacock Alley restaurant into a floral wonderland, with exquisite installations and a centerpiece cherry blossom tree.
    Taryn White, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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