STATELY Synonyms: 245 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'stately' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose , grand , imposing , magnificent , and majestic . While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement. // the stately procession

Q: When can 'grand' be used instead of 'stately'?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity. // a grand staircase

Q: Where would 'grandiose' be a reasonable alternative to 'stately'?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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: When would 'imposing' be a good substitute for 'stately'?

The words imposing and stately are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness. // an imposing edifice

Q: When is it sensible to use 'magnificent' instead of 'stately'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately , magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste. // magnificent paintings

Q: How is 'majestic' related to other words for 'stately'?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur. // a majestic waterfall

stately

adjective

ˈstāt-lē

Definition of stately

as in imposing

having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in graceful

having or showing elegance a stately dowager in an evening gown

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in magnificent

large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception stately plantation homes that are now open to the public as museums

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in majestic

very dignified in form, tone, or style a stately composition that has served as the musical accompaniment for countless graduations and other ceremonial occasions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stately differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of stately are grandiose, grand, imposing, magnificent, and majestic. While all these words mean "large and impressive," stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.

the stately procession

When can grand be used instead of stately?

Although the words grand and stately have much in common, grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.

a grand staircase

Where would grandiose be a reasonable alternative to stately?

The synonyms grandiose and stately are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would imposing be a good substitute for stately?

The words imposing and stately are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.

an imposing edifice

When is it sensible to use magnificent instead of stately?

While in some cases nearly identical to stately, magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.

magnificent paintings

How is majestic related to other words for stately?

Majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.

a majestic waterfall

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 stately The stately main house, built in 2009 and designed by Gacek Design Group, looks much like a traditional Pennsylvania country estate, with a stone exterior, slate roof, dormer windows, and landscaped grounds. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 25 Sep. 2026 The first daughter opted for a stately pale blue ensemble with intricate white embroidery from the Chinese designer Guo Pei, whose elaborate couture canary yellow gown with a 16-foot train for Rihanna’s 2015 attendance to the Met Gala went viral. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 However, all are generously sized and sleek, with bright white bedding accented with pops of stately blue, silver and hot pink. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Guests can then calm their heightened nerves at the stately 217 Wine Bar, named after the room where King spent his fateful night. — Nicholas Derenzo, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately

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

Decor, such as in Room 210, is a graceful fusion of white wood rafters, French oak, and stone flooring.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
This beautiful retrospective volume shows a poet developing steadily, from the graceful descriptions and encoded trauma of the poems from the 1990s through the loosening music and political engagement of the books of the last ten years.

— Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of graceful

Adjective

Outperformance for the non-magnificent S & P 493 would come at key point for the stock market, which has chugged along fine on the headline level thanks to the megacaps but has seen its breadth weaken considerably beneath the surface.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Waugh was a magnificent writer, and his prose has a rare gravity and balance.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of magnificent

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

Definition of majestic

Adjective

And Jeremy is the handsome cipher, the seemingly long-suffering dreamboat of a husband who may or may not be harboring more ominous intentions.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
The perfect cup of coffee with Kevin Costner After reading prior interviews Costner had done with other outlets, one thing felt surprising given the actor's tendency toward the ruggedly handsome, cowboy archetype.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of handsome

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

Definition of glorious

Adjective

The president may reveal Clayton's appointment as soon as Friday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity before a formal announcement.

— Jeff Masonand Michael Shepard Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
The very fact that this has now been given a formal college inside the PLA’s Army Engineering University is telling, however.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of formal

Adjective

The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegant

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stateliness

stately

statement

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“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stately

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