majestic

adjective

ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈje-stik How to pronounce majestic (audio)
: having or exhibiting majesty : stately
majestic mountains
majestically adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for majestic

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 majestic in a Sentence

a majestic pillar of society who continues to entertain in grand style a majestic Egyptian pyramid that has enthralled travelers for aeons
Recent Examples on the Web And McCrimmon, whose voice grows more majestic and multi-hued as the musical’s emotion ramps up, delivers this aching anthem with heartrending virtuosity. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024 But by the time the 28-minute overture concluded, the sextet had been as ferocious as a pack of bloodthirsty velociraptors, and majestic as a pack of gliding pterodactyls. Journal Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2024 Flamingo Pond offers up the pink, graceful beauty of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. Claire Volkman, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024 The majestic tranquility of Kind of Blue marks a kind of fermata in jazz. James Kaplan, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024 The lesson here is that even though trees came late to the evolutionary party here on our own planet, life on earth would be pretty unimaginable without our remaining majestic forests. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 My destination was the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a majestic 4,680-seat amphitheater on the Acropolis’ southwest side named after the arts patron who funded its construction. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024 Across the wooded acreage are expanses of rolling lawns, two ponds fed by a natural creek with waterfalls, several fire pits, and extensive decking positioned to bask in the majestic surroundings. Mark David, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024 Scientists say the experiment of sorts should also provide a real-time peek at how the complexities of climate change affect wildlife, and why these majestic — some say goofy-looking — mammals the size of a horse have unexpectedly expanded their range into warmer territory. Scott Sonner, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024

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

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of majestic was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near majestic

Cite this Entry

“Majestic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/majestic. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

majestic

adjective
ma·​jes·​tic mə-ˈjes-tik How to pronounce majestic (audio)
: being stately and dignified : noble
majestically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on majestic

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