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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective majestic differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of majestic are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

When could grand be used to replace majestic?

Although the words grand and majestic have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

In what contexts can grandiose take the place of majestic?

The words grandiose and majestic can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is it sensible to use imposing instead of majestic?

The words imposing and majestic are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When can magnificent be used instead of majestic?

While in some cases nearly identical to majestic, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

Where would stately be a reasonable alternative to majestic?

While the synonyms stately and majestic are close in meaning, 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 majestic Resting near the top of a utility pole, the majestic bird was impossible to miss, with that telltale snow-white plumage. Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2025 The majestic Midland Theatre opened its doors just before the Great Depression began. Randy Mason, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025 The most devastating example was Dutch elm disease which came into the United States in the 1930s in infected logs, then killed majestic American elms that lined city streets across the eastern half of the country. Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2025 Ranked as one of the natural wonders of the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is known for its majestic beauty and its challenging and rewarding hike. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for majestic 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for majestic
Adjective
  • While the time-jumping structure can be mildly confusing at first, editor Alexandre de Franceschi establishes a graceful rhythm, keeping the transitions fluid.
    David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Photos released by the court show Kate smiling in brightly colored costumes, her hair slicked back, and her feet and arms in the studied pose of a graceful ballerina.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • The Parthenon Marbles: The Case for Reunification By Christopher Hitchens Christopher Hitchens, among the most eloquent and forceful advocates of rejoining the Parthenon marbles, helped tilt me toward the cause of repatriation.
    Ralph Leonard, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025
  • They’re aided throughout by Bryce Dessner’s string score and eloquent, salt-of-the-earth narration from Will Patton (who also recorded the audiobook, repeating choice lines of Johnson’s at key moments here).
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The plans, handsome blueprints, were spread out on the table and as Recorder Welch read the specifications, Mr. Morgan made the necessary explanations.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • This is a classic movie problem, the kind of too-neat hangup that has to be vaulted over on the way toward happily ever after — so, naturally, Ally has a classic meet-cute at a coffee shop with a handsome stranger named Jay (Mason Gooding) whose issue line up perfectly with hers.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Our groceries are full of glorious winter citrus, which adds brightness to this ethereal dessert, which is bound to entice your Valentine.
    Martin Sorge, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The latest immersive work from documentary master Claire Simon takes us into Makarenko, a public elementary school in the Parisian suburb Ivry-sur-Seine, over the course of a school year, staying attentive to the glorious unpredictability of human interaction and the revelations of learning.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With so many celebrities and A-list attendees on the red carpet, the premiere was packed with designer looks and ornate formal attire.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Though anyone seeking pardons or clemency for a nonmilitary criminal offense can submit a formal petition to the Office of the Pardon Attorney through the U.S. Department of Justice, the president is under no obligation to abide by this advice.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Its classic trim with elegant details on each door can dress up a modern interior or pair with traditional decor to elevate any space.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Among the standout pieces in the second H&M spring 2025 limited-edition Ramadan collection, semi-shiny satins, jacquards and hammered fabrics add an elegant and luxurious touch.
    Julia Teti, WWD, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The performance was so epic that the stadium's power temporarily went out afterward — though officials said the two events were not related, according to the Los Angeles Times.
    Diane J. Cho, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
  • During the epic speech, the Destiny’s Child singer thanked Blue Ivy Carter and gave a shout-out to her family.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near majestic

Cite this Entry

“Majestic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/majestic. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on majestic

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