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

Examples of magnificent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And the descent down the ride’s hill is still a magnificent Magic Kingdom view. Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2024 Those 12-inch-wide windows provide lots of light and reduce the gawking at the magnificent scenery. Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024 Visitors can thrill at watching world-class equestrians and their magnificent horses in a stunning outdoor arena. Kyle J. Russell, Detroit Free Press, 7 Aug. 2024 For the 2024 Crop Over Festival, Rihanna opted for a magnificent pair complete with yellow, orange, magenta, red, and black feathers. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnificent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnificent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near magnificent

Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 18 Sep. 2024.

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