grand adds to greatness of size the implications of handsomeness and dignity.
a grand staircase
magnificent implies an impressive largeness proportionate to scale without sacrifice of dignity or good taste.
magnificent paintings
imposing implies great size and dignity but especially stresses impressiveness.
an imposing edifice
stately may suggest poised dignity, erectness of bearing, handsomeness of proportions, ceremonious deliberation of movement.
the stately procession
majestic combines the implications of imposing and stately and usually adds a suggestion of solemn grandeur.
a majestic waterfall
grandiose implies a size or scope exceeding ordinary experience
grandiose hydroelectric projects
but is most commonly applied derogatorily to inflated pretension or absurd exaggeration.
grandiose schemes
Example Sentences
He's an imposing man with a powerful voice. the president of the bank is exactly the sort of imposing figure that one might expect
Recent Examples on the WebJames remains one of the league’s more imposing figures, spending more than $1 million each offseason on his conditioning. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Aug. 2022 There was a museum in there it’s a very imposing building to look at. Laura Johnston, cleveland, 19 July 2022 The rest of his intervention is marked by several strong gestures, the most imposing of which is the monumental travertine fireplace in the dining room, whose geometric forms are meant as a nod to the work of Carlo Scarpa. Ian Phillips, ELLE Decor, 1 June 2022 An inch here, a millimeter there, even the most imposing ranges were built in increments; rocky peaks rising pebble by pebble. Jessica Kiang, Variety, 18 May 2022 The exterior design only adds to the grandeur, with its full-width second-floor Juliet balcony featuring a delicate, cast-iron railing, lovely arched windows and an imposing front entrance with arched stonework. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2022 Adding Freeman gives the Dodgers an even more imposing lineup. Beth Harris, ajc, 17 Mar. 2022 His non-imposing, reflective, piano-forward compositions augment the emotional crux of scenes where Peter and Emma begin falling for each other, inadvertently hurt each other and inevitably iron out their lives. Courtney Howard, Variety, 9 Feb. 2022 What makes Arizona more frightening than the Bulldogs is its superior rebounding and shot-blocking behind an imposing front line of 7-foot-1 center Christian Koloko and 6-11 forward Azuolas Tubelis. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2022 See More