stately

adjective

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

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for stately

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 As the speech neared its conclusion, the room once again filled with music, a stately cinematic swell of synthesized strings. —Charles Homans Robert Petkoff Anna Diamond Ted Blaisdell, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2024 Hovering over the landscape was stately Mount Asama, its summit tipped with white. —Katie Kitamura, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stately 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stately.' 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 1a

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

Phrases Containing stately

Dictionary Entries Near stately

statelily

stately

stately home

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stately. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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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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