stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
Synonyms of stately
1
a
: marked by lofty or imposing dignity
b
: haughty, unapproachable
2
: impressive in size or proportions
stateliness noun
stately adverb

Synonyms of stately

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grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience

grandiose hydroelectric projects

but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.

grandiose schemes

Examples of stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests a stately dowager in an evening gown
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For decades, loggers and environmentalists have clashed over the fate of its stately redwoods. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Located right in Mystic is the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, which offers numerous hiking trails winding through forests of stately oaks, red maples, and American beech trees aflame with color. — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 One of just 374 examples built, the stately 1970s Rolls was carefully re-engineered by the team at Electrogenic to ensure the modern tech did not affect existing character or craftsmanship. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026 With stately wraparound porches, rocking chairs, and views of the Guadalupe River, Gruene Mansion Inn sits next door to Gruene Hall. — Gabi De La Rosa, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stately was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing stately

Rhymes for stately

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Browse Nearby Words

stateliness
stately
stately home
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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stately. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stately

adjective
state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size
stateliness noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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