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 Behind the station doors are 150 polished European-style rooms, hushed corridors and a few magnificent surprises. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Rafael Devers homered twice and drove in four runs as the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 5-0 on Saturday night behind Logan Webb's magnificent pitching. — CBS News, 27 June 2026 In the quarter-final, underdogs North Korea took a shock 3-0 lead over Portugal, but Eusebio inspired arguably the greatest comeback in World Cup history with a magnificent display, scoring four of Portugal’s five goals. — Michael Cox, New York Times, 1 July 2026 William, 44, turned up via a green London bus alongside Australian TV presenter Robert Irwin at London's magnificent Guildhall on the morning of June 23 for a special celebration with some of the winners and finalists of his Earthshot Prize. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent

Adjective

Oh, and hundreds of her works fill the screen, a magnificent and vibrant tour through her glorious career.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Perhaps the best perk of the suite was the large balcony with ample plump seating and an atmospheric floor lamp, a glorious extension of the indoor space for prime castle viewing.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Definition of glorious

Adjective

Mario Lopez’s new Christmas movie — much like his epic Christmas celebrations at home — has become a family affair.

— Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Shobeir denied Argentina again five minutes before halftime as Julián Álvarez attempted to turn in a cross from Tagliafico, but the diving Egyptian keeper continued his brilliant game with an epic save.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of epic

Adjective

The source of Soloviev’s angst lay in part in growing up with a father who was one of the more imposing, cantankerous figures in the history of New York real estate — a demographic with stiff competition.

— Reeves Wiedeman, Curbed, 22 June 2026
There’s Chateau de Fère and Les Crayères, which is very imposing and old-fashioned; a couple of very nice funky little boutique hotels (including one owned by the Selosse family who make amazing, and amazingly priced, grower Champagne) and lots of good chambres d'hôtes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026

Definition of imposing

Adjective

Atlanta Braves at Truist Park A massive Braves block party will take place in Truist Park on Saturday, with flyovers, baseball, fireworks and more.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Artist Stan Herd created a massive quarter-acre Algerian flag earthwork near the Lied Center on west campus.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026

Definition of massive

Adjective

Rooms frame garden and water views through floor-to-ceiling windows, with wraparound balconies in Sea Suites facing Istanbul’s impressive skyline.

— Liam Hess, Vogue, 1 July 2026
So, even more impressive to me is the way these grills can hold hot flames stable.

— Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

The Bayeux Tapestry, a monumental 230 foot long medieval textile, depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and the subsequent Norman Conquest of England.

— News Desk, Artforum, 7 July 2026
By beating previously undefeated and heavily favored Ilia Topuria to claim the undisputed UFC lightweight belt for the first time in his career, Gaethje’s monumental upset cemented his legacy as a combat sports legend.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 6 July 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 8 Jul. 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 on magnificent

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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

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

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

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 on magnificent

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

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

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

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes