grand

adjective

ˈgrand How to pronounce grand (audio)
Definition of grandnext
1
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception the grand ceremonies that typically mark the opening of the Olympic Games

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2
as in main
coming before all others in importance won the grand prize

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3
as in whole
not lacking any part or member that properly belongs to it the grand total comes to $350

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4
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind in the grand ring of the three-ring circus stood the lion tamer himself

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5
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station everyone wanted to be seen with Palm Beach society's grand dame

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6
as in wonderful
of the very best kind that picnic in the mountains was simply grand

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7
as in huge
unusually large before them lay a grand treeless plain that stretched as far as the eye could see

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective grand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of grand are grandiose, imposing, magnificent, majestic, and stately. While all these words mean "large and impressive," grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to grand?

In some situations, the words grandiose and grand 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

When can imposing be used instead of grand?

The meanings of imposing and grand largely overlap; however, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When could magnificent be used to replace grand?

The words magnificent and grand can be used in similar contexts, but magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How does the word majestic relate to other synonyms for grand?

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

a majestic waterfall

When is it sensible to use stately instead of grand?

While the synonyms stately and grand are close in meaning, 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 grand Taylor’s life unfolds as a grand, breathless narrative, and Heymann knows exactly how to keep the pages turning. — Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026 They will be judged by a celebrity panel, and the 2026 PA Pork Pitmaster Awards will crown a grand champion, who then receives an authentic Wild Cat Championship Belt. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 No firm timetable has been announced for the high-riding grand tourer, but there’s been reporting that the finished production version could be unveiled as soon as next year. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 Tim Curry is going home, and his Rocky Horror Picture Show castmates are bidding him a grand farewell. — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grand
  1. magnificent
  2. main
  3. whole
  4. large
  5. aristocratic
  6. wonderful
  7. huge
  8. glorious
Adjective
  • Originally intended for Florence Cathedral’s roof, the statue proved too heavy to hoist and too magnificent to place so high.
    — Alicja Zelazko, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The front of the enormous building faces the magnificent Place Vendôme.
    — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • The fourth-year pro with blazing speed had an impressive training camp and appeared to be one of the team’s main kick returners.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Its main instrument, known as the Wide Field Instrument (WFI), will take extremely wide images of the universe, capturing ultra-high definition views across broad swaths of the sky.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • Your practical instincts are useful, Virgo, but don’t arrive with the whole plan already laminated.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Naturally, with three more Salt Lake City wives at the Alter Ego Party, Gizelle is ready to further investigate why Lisa is in a battle with her whole cast.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of whole
Adjective
  • To study dark energy, Roman will measure how gravity bends light across large cosmic distances — creating a 3D map of dark matter in the process.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • In 2022, Cuban founded Cost Plus Drugs, a website created to sell generic medication at a lower price than most large pharmacies.
    — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • Around them, an aristocratic winemaker defines his legacy, a legendary maître d’hôtel seeks his heir, and a reverent wine critic pursues the sublime.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026
  • By the 20th century, summer excursions to the Highlands were a fixture of the aristocratic calendar, with transatlantic visitors soon joining the English to shoot, fish, and feign indifference to horizontal rain.
    — Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of aristocratic
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Golden Tempo, meanwhile, assumed his position near the back of the field as his deep closing style has delivered huge glory in the past.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • At least 788 people have been killed in Nepal following huge torrents along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, according to local police.
    — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • Tracing the length of one of these wild, winding promontories is the glorious, 46-mile Queen Charlotte Track, says Helen Pickles in The Times.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 30 Aug. 2026
  • His particular favorites are Yeung’s Green Zebra tomatoes, the Brandywines, and the glorious red-gold Pineapples.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of glorious

Phrases Containing grand

Browse Nearby Words

grammatical
grand
grandam
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Cite this Entry

“Grand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grand. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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