MAGNIFICENT Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

magnificent

adjective

mag-ˈni-fə-sənt

Definition of magnificent

as in glorious

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception a magnificent mansion that still takes away the breath of visitors

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 But the offense was magnificent with him as the signal-caller, and his game-winning, as-the-buzzer-sounded 5-yard touchdown run in prime time pretty much cemented his spot on an active roster somewhere. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 And the last magnificent legislator was the Lion of the Senate – Senator Ted Kennedy whose legacy spanned from 1962 to 2010. — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 For nearly 40 years, the magnificent urban waterfall that sits at the heart of Greenville’s downtown was covered over by a four-lane highway bridge. — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 Watch as park staff guide approximately 1,300 of these magnificent animals in from the open range to check their health and chart their futures. — Katy Spratte Joyce, Midwest Living, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent

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

Adjective

For San Francisco, a comeback of epic proportions — the club was down 11-5 entering the fourth inning — was for naught.

— Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Polyphonic and epic, the novel delves into the characters’ quest for authenticity, artistic freedom, and survival in the wake of tragedy.

— Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of epic

Adjective

The forest between Bordeaux and a line of majestic sand dunes on the Atlantic is the largest in France, far bigger than any in the Alps or Pyrenees.

— Michael Finnegan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
As one of the world’s leading manta ray research organizations, The Manta Trust is dedicated to educating and conserving habitats for these majestic creatures.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of majestic

Adjective

When houses squeeze into their lots, vehicles grow more imposing, and storefronts battle for attention, the problem is no longer simply whether something is beautiful or ugly.

— Debbie Millman, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Propaganda posters from the era from both the democratic United States and the Axis powers surround the imposing, heavy-duty boots, covered in animal hair and insulation.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

Then, the Iran war started, resulting in massive disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, once one of the world's busiest oil-shipping lanes.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Images of massive fires at oil refineries and warehouses showed up online despite restrictions on publication of content detailing the attacks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of massive

Adjective

Bob Howell, executive vice president and chief sales officer at Manhattan Associates, said Boscov’s has a proud history of knowing their customers and communities.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
The proud mom posed alongside her kids in one cute snap showing each of her children holding a chalkboard sign with details of their first day.

— Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of proud

Adjective

Besiktas had been chasing Joe Willock, who seemed a shoo-in to depart, but an impressive start under Jaissle brought a rethink; a contract extension is possible.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
My mom’s longtime favorite flip-flops have a super impressive discount today, so act fast to snap them up before summer officially comes to a close.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

These artists’ monumental public works were tied to post-revolutionary ideals of education, social justice, and national identity.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
His greatest challenge Treister was perhaps best known as the designer and architect behind the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, a monumental work that has become one of South Florida’s most recognizable places of Holocaust remembrance.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of monumental

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

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Synonyms of magnificent

adjective

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Example Sentences

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How to Use 'Munificent' and 'Beneficent'

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