stately

adjective

state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
Synonyms of stately
1
a
: marked by lofty or imposing dignity
b
: haughty, unapproachable
2
: impressive in size or proportions
stateliness noun
stately adverb

Synonyms of stately

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grand, magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic, grandiose mean large and impressive.

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

Examples of stately in a Sentence

the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests a stately dowager in an evening gown
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As Ross immediately calls out, this mixture of a child’s game with a sense of politesse, set to a stately, period-appropriate Vivaldi concerto, absolutely does feel like a game that might have been played in an 18th-century court. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 Stunning architecture From the curb, the estate leans into traditional luxury — a stately facade and a sense that this 1998 build was designed to endure. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Outside, stately lion statues surround the pool, while Chippendale-style faux-bamboo chairs bring a relaxed touch to the covered outdoor dining area. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026 Past a large red barn and a pair of weeping willows framing a pond, the stately two-story structure comes into view. — Laura Regensdorf, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stately

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stately was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing stately

Rhymes for stately

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Browse Nearby Words

stateliness
stately
stately home
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Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stately. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stately

adjective
state·​ly ˈstāt-lē How to pronounce stately (audio)
statelier; stateliest
: impressively grand in appearance, manner, or size
stateliness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stately

Nglish: Translation of stately for Spanish Speakers

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