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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 In a rare lead role, one that gives him a frankly magnificent coat, Turturro adds to his late-career renaissance as an old-school pickpocket who runs afoul of a Gen-Z mobster. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Leanne Morgan is a magnificent human being and that is not hyperbole. — Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 The fluidity between indoors and outdoors is one of the suite’s principal attractions, with two magnificent, interconnected terraces connected to the suite through large glass doors. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 That backdrop, engineered by department heads like production designer Bob Shaw and costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone, remains magnificent. — Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent

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

Adjective

Her novels are often narrated in first person and range from intimate confessions to buoyant epic sagas.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Two fighters, Lucario and Greninja, appeared, broke through the frozen screen and fought on the shattered ice blocks in an epic battle.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of epic

Adjective

The Wicker Husband’s presence — his brooding desire, and the spectacle driving the whole town wild with horny jealousy — is a majestic demonstration of cinematic craft from Dániel and Godena-Juhász and Dunckley and Rubano.

— Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 23 Oct. 2026
And Smith had spent his teenage summers working in the Sierra as a mule hand, so reporting on the fate of the trees would be a chance to reconnect with a majestic landscape that left an enduring mark on his soul.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of majestic

Adjective

The Spurs believe the most imposing version of their defensive cornerstone has yet to arrive.

— Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of imposing

Adjective

Toronto reacquired Leonard in an offseason trade after a salary cap-circumvention scandal that led to massive sanctions against the Clippers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Pearson and his brother KeShaun are the two most prominent local opponents of Elon Musk’s xAI, a subsidiary of which has developed a massive data-center complex, provocatively named Colossus, in and around South Memphis.

— Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of massive

Adjective

While Ultron is proud of keeping his loyalties secret, a lot of loyalties seemingly get settled this episode.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
Their chaperone, Thomas, isn’t just a teacher but a proud parent whose son’s first-place win in a science competition afforded the whole class this excursion.

— Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of proud

Adjective

Larsson recorded 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists while posting an impressive plus/minus of plus 12 in 31 minutes off the bench.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
For a lot of people this spring, the question is no longer how to make the yard look impressive.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

Earlier this year, the hotel unveiled la Pomme de New York by Claude Lalanne, a monumental work among the artist’s most iconic creations.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Wednesday’s opener marked a monumental occasion in Toronto — the return of Leonard, a franchise legend who led the Raptors to an NBA championship in 2019 in his lone previous season with the team.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of monumental

Browse Nearby Words

magnificence

magnificent

magnificently

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of magnificent

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

How to Use 'Munificent' and 'Beneficent'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of magnificent

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to magnificent

How to Use 'Munificent' and 'Beneficent'

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes