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 Vying for dominance as well are the haughty, self-serving bureaucrats of the area’s bustling capital of South Wood (Jemaine Clement, Marc Evan Jackson), who pull their political strings from the relative safety of the grand Pittock Mansion. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Though still under construction, the apartment will eventually offer four bedrooms and the scale of a private home, complete with a grand gathering room, a library, a den, and a series of smaller lounge areas. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2026 University of Miami president Joe Echevarria understands where the Atlantic Coast Conference stands in the grand scheme of college athletics. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 While Ortega doesn’t portray the character’s beliefs with that same dismissiveness, what’s supposed to be a grand act of love and sacrifice nevertheless just slides past, as though the whole movie were coated in Teflon. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 22 Oct. 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
  • Omaanda is among a handful of smart new lodges upping the game amid the remote and magnificent landscapes of Namibia, a rising star on the African safari circuit.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Teddy bears and trains, baseballs and dolls dance through the air into Santa's enormous sack, which sits at Santa's feet, or rather Harry's, who is perched high on the throne at the back of the float, magnificent in white whiskers and red velvet.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of magnificent
Adjective
  • The kingdom partially resumed operations at its main airport on Sunday despite damage from earlier attacks, even as the Houthis threatened further strikes.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The project will also improve sewer main capacity by upsizing a parallel line.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • The whole idea is for Israel to keep fighting, because endless wars serve Netanyahu to maintain… a constant state of emergency.
    — Daniel Estrin, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The whole joke is that Chandler is really bad at posing for photos.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of whole
Adjective
  • Fixing the problem Flexible substrates have uneven surface roughness and varying hydroxyl-group densities, making standard large-area printing techniques ineffective.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • There is a small chance for isolated Coastal Flood Warnings Wednesday through Thursday if larger surf develops.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • Taylor, who reportedly bought his aristocratic title on the internet, was jailed for three years for selling a fake painting by the British artist Lowry through auction house Bonhams.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Similarly, after the traumas of the Civil War and Reconstruction, some Southern writers emphasized aberrant behavior to undercut the aristocratic whitewash of gentility and custom.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of aristocratic
Adjective
  • An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The Bruins took a huge hit with their top six players all getting drafted by WNBA teams.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • With its available sun-deflecting bright-white fabric and huge garage door-like entryway, the tent makes for a natural day shelter for events out in the sun, rain and wind.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • The San Francisco head coach’s time as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator was both glorious and heartbreaking.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But even those without a passion for specialty groceries end up there sooner or later for the glorious, enormous, budget-friendly sandwiches.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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