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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 These moments work, but as a whole, the album buckles under the weight of its creator’s grandiose vision. Matthew Ismael Ruiz, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025 These early recordings presented a nihilistic and drug-addled world view, and a bracing reimagination of R. & B. Tesfaye eventually stepped out from the shadows, and as his star grew his aesthetic and narrative ambitions became more grandiose. Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025 Not surprising, a chunk of this two-hour session focused on the grandiose Sky Club that capped this 22-story skyscraper – a high-end ballroom and restaurant that attracted local socialites as well as Chicago’s elite because of its sophisticated menu, live music, glitzy decor and ritzy ambiance. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025 Trump’s proposal could be a negotiating tactic—a grandiose plan intended to be bargained down to something practical. Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grandiose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiose
Adjective
  • In Cairo, the Sphinx, the Giza Pyramids and the magnificent Pyramid of Cheops beckon.
    Rona Berg, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 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
  • Cyrus’s early solo-music career was marked by chaos in both persona and output (remember Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz?); her style oscillated with an ostentatious lack of taste, and her music varied wildly between genres.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The question is whether the Oscars can simultaneously indulge in its usual ostentatious glitz.
    Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Feb. 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
  • In the cool interiors of this chic Parisian address though, savouring an aged Armagnac after lunch or dinner is not a pretentious throwback, but a gastronomic pleasure.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The restaurant is slightly more elevated than your classic casual spot but is far from pretentious.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 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
  • 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
  • And every scene and song featuring the hilarious Eric Anderson as the pompous and preening Union Gen. George B. McClellan is a comic gem.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiose. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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