STATELY Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'stately' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose , grand , imposing , magnificent , and majestic . While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement. // the stately procession

Q: When can 'grand' be used instead of 'stately'?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity. // a grand staircase

Q: Where would 'grandiose' be a reasonable alternative to 'stately'?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, 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

Q: When would 'imposing' be a good substitute for 'stately'?

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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'magnificent' instead of 'stately'?

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

Q: How is 'majestic' related to other words for 'stately'?

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

stately

adjective

ˈstāt-lē

Definition of stately next

as in imposing

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in graceful

having or showing elegance a stately dowager in an evening gown

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception stately plantation homes that are now open to the public as museums

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as in majestic

very dignified in form, tone, or style a stately composition that has served as the musical accompaniment for countless graduations and other ceremonial occasions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

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

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

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

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately, 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 stately?

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

a majestic waterfall

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 stately The stately spread was, ironically enough, known as The White House. —

Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 30 Jan. 2025 Theirs was not the stately freedom of legislative proposals and Presidential proclamations, of men debating and signing documents. —

Scott Spillman, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025 But through the eye of the camera lens, the sunbeams seemed to multiply, all but obscuring the stately, two-century-old building. —

Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2025 Guests will feel almost like locals, stepping out of stately rooms onto porches and balconies to watch the comings and goings of daily neighborhood life. —

Jill K. Robinson, AFAR Media, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately

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