Definition of magnificentnext

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 The 10-room estate sits on four magnificent acres and offers spa treatments, healing yoga, and meals to nourish the soul. — Stefanie Benjamin, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026 Ordinarily, the placenta does a magnificent job of keeping microbes away from a developing fetus. — Mike McRae 24, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026 The magnificent lace of the collar, the shimmering black of the garment, the delicate, almost-weightless cuffs. — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Capturing magnificent scenes with a high-flying drone is a common method used by videographers to create content. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for magnificent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for magnificent
Adjective
  • With a sky-skimming infinity pool, the longest in Palma, that brings the Balearic sea right up to the feet of the Balinese sunbeds, El Llorenç’s rooftop is glorious.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Somewhere in the heavens, these beloved instruments have formed a glorious orchestra—a cosmic symphony where every lost voice is restored.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • So the fact that Zoe Kazan’s East of Eden is his first job since a notable 2024 that included Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Jeff Nichols’ The Bikeriders suggests the epic family drama holds particular meaning for him.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The tour kicks off April 6 at Nashville’s Pinnacle and includes some epic stops at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre.
    — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 5 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Prepare to come within an arm’s reach of majestic elephants who silently mill through camp to say hello nearly every afternoon while grazing and seeking shade.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • There were handheld American flags on skinny sticks, midsize ones to display on a wall and majestic formal flags adorned with silky gold fringe.
    — Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica, 2 Oct. 2026
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
Adjective
  • On Monday, stand-up comedians on social media launched a massive awareness campaign to pressure one of their own, Sebastian Maniscalco, to reconsider recent programming decisions at his SiriusXM radio station, Sebastian Maniscalco’s Comedy Radio.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The whole story unfolds within a massive narrative arc that spans the roughly 20 years of the hunt for the Monster.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Aduba will play Allegra Miller, a proud New Yorker fighting developers to keep her home and change her life forever.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Docking the Akira One for the last time, Nathan feels proud that his team kept it together despite being on the edge of collapse literally the entire time.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Those three veteran defensive linemen were major contributors to Miami’s most impressive defensive performance of the season.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As impressive as the revival has been so far, the Sox don’t seem simply happy to be here.
    — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But despite what seems like a monumental change, life here continues.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • But as any historian of the state will tell you, even the most monumental achievements come with challenges their designers could never imagine.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/magnificent. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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