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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 They can be seen standing outside their stately venue, holding hands. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 Interestingly enough, the tumulus represents a meeting of Roman and Celtic traditions, though, by the looks of it, this funerary monument, possibly attached to a stately though unknown elite, was a symbolic gesture, piquing intrigue and revealing a slice of Roman life rarely seen. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025 With high ceilings, handsome hardwood floors, and four-poster beds, the rooms here walk the line between stately and Nordic cool. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 18 Oct. 2025 That stately welcoming continues with a foyer featuring 30-foot-tall ceilings, modern crystal chandeliers, a winding staircase, a plant wall, and large slates of polished marble, and extra-glossy Brazilian Guyana wood. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
  • In fact, the Sens could’ve benefitted from them being more imposing.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • At the heart of the property is the tahona, used to grind the agave used to make mezcal; this one is solar-powered though no less imposing.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Butler leads with steady confidence, and Williams follows with a dainty, graceful flow that draws every eye in the room.
    Alexa Stone Updated October 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2025
  • In Hubble's recent image, NGC 6951 unfurls its graceful spiral arms, covered in red nebulae glowing with hydrogen gas, a key fuel for new stars.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath the Sistine Chapel’s magnificent vaulted ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, Charles and Pope Leo XIV prayed together in a special ecumenical service – a first since at least the Reformation.
    Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
  • The latest temporary exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is pulling the cover back on one of the planet’s most magnificent animals.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Rolls-Royce‘s most iconic model, the majestic Phantom limousine, the storied marque had to create something extra special.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Shepherds now guide and offer hospitality to travelers in the majestic and wild Accursed Mountains.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Softstreme High-rise Wide-leg Cropped Pant has a weighty drape that adds an elegant edge to what otherwise feels like loungewear, given how remarkably soft the Softstreme fabric is.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The long-sleeve polo sweater has elegant pearl buttons that pop against the sweater’s neutral color.
    Melony Forcier, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • According to the Greek historian Herodotus, who composed his glorious amalgamation of legend and fact in the fourth-century BC, Helen never even reached Troy because Paris’s ship was blown off course.
    Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Bearzot was a more attack-minded coach than many of his predecessors, favouring a front three and a glorious playmaker in Fiorentina’s Giancarlo Antognoni, who recovered from a fractured skull to be fit for the tournament.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home spanned about 3,800 square feet, with wood-burning fireplaces gracing the formal living and dining rooms on the main floor.
    Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Reason for Wausau's closure isn't clear In the letter, a formal notification that complies with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, Wausau's group vice president of the snow and ice division, JP Bourque, did not indicate the reason for the company's closure.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Single guests were too busy gawking at the handsome emergency responders to process the severity of the situation.
    Maggie Macintosh, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025
  • At a tour of a member’s garden, another attendee commented on a handsome, silvery Sansevieria growing there.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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