magnificent

adjective

mag·​nif·​i·​cent mag-ˈni-fə-sənt How to pronounce magnificent (audio)
məg-
1
: great in deed or exalted in place
used only of former famous rulers
Lorenzo the Magnificent
2
: marked by stately grandeur and lavishness
a magnificent way of life
The coronation was a magnificent sight.
3
: sumptuous in structure and adornment
a magnificent cathedral
broadly : strikingly beautiful or impressive
a magnificent physique
4
: impressive to the mind or spirit : sublime
magnificent prose
know the truth for the magnificent purpose of becoming freePhilip Wylie
5
: exceptionally fine
a magnificent day
valley crops were magnificent that yearJulian Dana
magnificently adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for magnificent

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 magnificent in a Sentence

the magnificent cathedrals of Europe He gave a magnificent performance.
Recent Examples on the Web Photographed by François Halard, Vogue, March 2014 Van Noten is justifiably proud of the magnificent antique yellow damask curtains in the master bedroom, newly acquired from a Swiss château. Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024 While there are hundreds of these sites throughout the park, the most impressive is Cliff Palace, pictured above, which lies in the shadow of a magnificent rock arch. Adam Lapetina, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2024 About 2,830 square feet of living space sits on a 7,500-square-foot property with a sizable backyard deck and generous backyard under the canopy of a magnificent sculpted pine tree. Monica Lander, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 In each piece, we were treated to a magnificent orchestra. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 While such magnificent discoveries give an insight into what the rich and powerful wore in ancient societies, jewelry may have been worn by people of all walks of life — and for many different reasons, according to Alexis Castor, an assistant professor of classics at Franklin and Marshall College. Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 But a lot has happened since the first part of Denis Villeneuve’s magnificent adaptation of Frank Herbert’s dystopian epic premiered in 2021. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2024 The park is also popular in the fall, when maple trees and autumn leaves create magnificent foliage on its grounds. Talia Avakian, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 Escarpment makes magnificent wines from Pinot Noir. Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnificent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near magnificent

Cite this Entry

“Magnificent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnificent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

magnificent

adjective
mag·​nif·​i·​cent mag-ˈnif-ə-sənt How to pronounce magnificent (audio)
1
: having impressive beauty
the magnificent cathedrals of Europe
2
: noble entry 1 sense 5
a magnificent character
magnificently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on magnificent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!