1 grandiose | Definition of grandiose
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

grandiose

adjective
gran·​di·​ose | \ ˈgran-dē-ˌōs How to pronounce grandiose (audio) , ˌgran-dē-ˈōs\

Definition of grandiose

1 : characterized by affectation of grandeur or splendor or by absurd exaggeration They did not believe his grandiose claims.
2 : impressive because of uncommon largeness, scope, effect, or grandeur had grandiose plans for the city
Other Words from grandiose Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about grandiose

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from grandiose

grandiosely adverb
grandioseness noun
grandiosity \ ˌgran-​dē-​ˈä-​sə-​tē How to pronounce grandiosity (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for grandiose

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 grandiose in a Sentence

He was full of grandiose ideas. a grandiose plan to upgrade the entire interstate highway system in 10 years

Recent Examples on the Web

 As with practically every grandiose program Sanders proposes, we are left wondering what the democratic socialist would actually do as president. — The Washington Post, Twin Cities, "Other voices: Sanders climate plan would take us nowhere," 29 Aug. 2019 The gritty, grandiose adaptation is a team effort: heavy lifting is done by Derek McLane’s scenic design, which goes beyond the stage to take over most of the room, and Catherine Zuber’s astonishing costumes. — Adam Rathe, Town & Country, "Why Moulin Rouge! on Broadway is Not Moulin Rouge! the Movie," 19 Aug. 2019 But the underpinnings of the group were never so grandiose. — Joe Mozingo, Los Angeles Times, "How Charles Manson cast his spell on homecoming queens, honor students and dropouts," 11 Aug. 2019 Like much Chinese sci-fi, the story is both darker and more grandiose than many Western blockbusters. — The Economist, "China’s grand, gloomy sci-fi is going global," 22 June 2019 But there is a serious point hidden amid its grandiose statements. — The Economist, "Employee happiness and business success are linked," 1 Aug. 2019 Despite the grandiose setting of the cathedral, the wedding party consisted primarily of close family and friends, in keeping in line with the couple’s wishes. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "How Louis Ducruet and Marie Chevallier's First Kiss Differs from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's," 31 July 2019 However, the particles are smaller than many other recurring meteor showers, resulting in less grandiose displays. — Currie Engel, Time, "The Peak of the Delta Aquarid Meteor Shower Is Coming. Here's How to Watch It," 26 July 2019 For all the recent grandiose talk about returning to the moon, the Trump administration's space plans unfolded very slowly at first. — cleveland.com, "As NASA celebrates its biggest triumph, there are worries it won’t be able to do it again," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grandiose.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of grandiose

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for grandiose

French, from Italian grandioso, from grande great, from Latin grandis

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for grandiose

grandiose

adjective
How to pronounce grandiose (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of grandiose

disapproving : seeming to be impressive or intended to be impressive but not really possible or practical

See the full definition for grandiose in the English Language Learners Dictionary

grandiose

adjective
gran·​di·​ose | \ ˈgran-dē-ˌōs How to pronounce grandiose (audio) \

Kids Definition of grandiose

: overly grand or exaggerated He would … fire his warriors with grandiose schemes and wild ideas.— Brian Jacques, Redwall

grandiose

adjective
gran·​di·​ose | \ ˈgran-dē-ˌōs How to pronounce grandiose (audio) , ˌgran-dē-ˈ

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!