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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 These also tend to be classic pieces of quality materials, such as marble busts and stately terracotta vases. Heather Bien, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025 To most of the world, London is the epicenter of stately and venerable — places, palaces, institutions with longevity and heft around every corner. Derek Newton, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025 Its columns are intact, as is its stately exterior constructed from thick local limestone. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Feb. 2025 Here, a visionary Melbourne family has spent two decades transforming a humble farmstead into a stately pleasure dome of sorts, one that satisfies modern appetites. Natalie Hoberman, Forbes, 22 Feb. 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
Adjective
  • The Phaeton cuts a more elegant figure than most VWs, thanks to its graceful exterior lines and the use of premium materials throughout the cabin.
    Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The rendering of martial arts battles is as graceful as DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda series.
    Fred Topel, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The first was a breathtaking walk through the magnificent redwoods at Redwoods Treewalk.
    Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • These are not the magnificent Hollywood of 1930s cinema but silly people doing silly things for laughs with exaggerated reactions more typical of the previous silent movie decade.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 12 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
  • Grande’s elegant look this evening stayed true to the spirit of her red-carpet style this awards season.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025
  • When only the most polished versions will do, look for an elegant almond-shape toe, a slight Cuban-style heel, and a high shine—like this take from Berluti, with a two-tone treatment of black and petrol blue.
    Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
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
  • Yoon's lawyers have accused the investigative agency that detained him before his formal arrest of lacking legal authority to probe rebellion charges.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • As a formal statement of disapproval, censure is about the worst punishment for a misbehaving House member short of removing them from office.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The case coincides with suspicious activity occurring near the border where Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) — who used to work for the Navajo Tribal Police with Chee and Leaphorn and had a relationship with Chee — now gets drawn to cocky and handsome border agent Ivan Muños (Alex Meraz).
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Casting is an expensive multistep process, though, and the same factories can furnish façades for new construction by the more straightforward technique of extrusion, yielding handsome but less ornate panels.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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