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 Most of the greats have performed at this magnificent amphitheatre, from W.G. Grace and Garfield Sobers through to Fred Trueman and Michael Holding. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Welcome to difficult-to-reach Nordkapp (North Cape), a magnificent — albeit somewhat extreme — antidote for travelers looking to escape the summer heat back home while visiting a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists for centuries. Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025 This is a magnificent specimen stuffed with mushrooms, spinach, red onions, feta and mozzarella, topped with summery red sauce. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Here are those magnificent words, words that still echo in the hearts of human beings around the world. Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • Hit the ground running like Iron Man with this line of coffee in all its glorious forms — pods, instant, ground, and whole bean.
    Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 7 July 2025
  • Held at Palisade’s Riverbend Park, this event is a glorious celebration of our state’s wine scene.
    Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • What began in 2020 as a loose constellation of 20-some galleries and art institutions opening their doors to visitors has evolved into an epic smorgasbord of exhibitions, performances, collaborations, and dance parties, not to mention sound, floral, and who knows what other kinds of installations.
    Lauren Mechling, Vogue, 14 July 2025
  • After Red Bull Sacking Emerson Fittipaldi was also present at the event with other popular faces from the F1 paddock who took the wheel of epic racing cars, such as Brown, Vowles, and Aston Martin managing partner Adrian Newey.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Welcome to difficult-to-reach Nordkapp (North Cape), a magnificent — albeit somewhat extreme — antidote for travelers looking to escape the summer heat back home while visiting a majestic landmark that has been challenging explorers, royalty and tourists for centuries.
    Dan Fellner, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025
  • This 27-mile loop above Crested Butte is a great way to explore the majestic Elk Mountains without much effort.
    R. Scott Rappold, Denver Post, 4 July 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
  • Until now, the most massive back hole merger was GW190521, detected in 2020.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
  • After China fired ballistic missiles at American bases in Japan, the fighting exploded, with the U.S. launching massive strikes against the mainland and Japanese jets attacking Chinese ships.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • In the post, the proud single mom shared throwback photos of her with her eldest son and daughter.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 14 July 2025
  • Old Fitzgerald, the once proud brand with a century-long legacy, was tossed into the Bernheim sale like an extra trading card between kids to sweeten the deal, not to headline it.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The All-American scored nine goals and added eight assists while registering an impressive 80-percent faceoff winning percentage.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025
  • Banchero and Wagner don’t want to merely record impressive scoring marks.
    Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Crown Prince has invested trillions of dollars in his grand mega projects intended to wean the kingdom off dependence on oil revenues.
    Karen Elliott House, Time, 10 July 2025
  • Though this is prime real estate (one of the largest lots around), a grand mansion would be way out of place here.
    Mary Holland, Robb Report, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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