1
as in imposing
having or showing a formal and serious or reserved manner
the governor watched with stately aloofness as his wife charmed the party guests
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in graceful
having or showing elegance
a stately dowager in an evening gown
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3
as in magnificent
large and impressive in size, grandeur, extent, or conception
stately plantation homes that are now open to the public as museums
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4
as in majestic
very dignified in form, tone, or style
a stately composition that has served as the musical accompaniment for countless graduations and other ceremonial occasions
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stately
With Matt Damon as Odysseus, accompanied by Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Mia Goth, in this stately rendering of Homer’s classic, the 2027 Oscar campaign surely begins now.
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Radhika Seth, Vogue, 1 Jan. 2026
McClinnahan worked closely with Ralph Lauren Home for his restaurant’s interior design and accessories, which include stitched leather and brass sconces, stately table lamps, and rich colors.
—Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
Serwall Outdoor Dining Table Set This sturdy, stately dining table from Serwall is made of stainless steel and patterned with a wood grain.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
While the Range Rover’s exterior is handsomely stately, the interior makes the vehicle.
—James Raia, Mercury News, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stately
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stately
Adjective
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The team had already excavated the other three corners of a narrow tomb occupied by an imposing, unnamed sarcophagus.—
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The most imposing building on Main Street is a gun shop called Chandler’s Firearms Estates, on the corner of East Church Street.—
Adjective
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But those struggles remain offscreen; Naïma’s season at the shelter is coming to an end, and the movie, graceful yet pragmatic, knows that not every story here can be told.—
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Her entry into this world was graceful, gentle and oh so magical.—
Adjective
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Then there’s the saltwater pool, all of the American mid-century and Danish modern furniture, and certainly the magnificent mountain and palm tree views.—
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Thiaw has been magnificent for Newcastle so far and this aberration should not overshadow that, but this was a game too far for the German, who surely requires a rest for the FA Cup tie with Bournemouth on Saturday.—
Adjective
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To address the problem, water managers many years ago lowered the levels, but the tree islands never recovered, leaving ghosts of islands that lack the elevation to support the majestic hardwoods found in other parts of the Everglades, such as cypress, pond apple and pop ash trees.—
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Expect a three- to four-hour trek of moderate difficulty, but the majestic views of the rocky coastline from the top are worth the trip.—
Adjective
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Her husband, Laurent (Arnaud Binard), has shown up unexpectedly in Rome to find his wife in the arms of handsome Italian film director Giancarlo (Raoul Bova).—
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Outlander is based on Diana Gabaldon's best-selling book series of the same name about the epic love story between an English World War II nurse who travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland and meets a handsome Highlander.—
Adjective
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The mountains look glorious, green, and bizarrely in-your-face.—
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This week, Tyler, the Creator recapped his glorious year in a triumphant freestyle, Sabrina Carpenter gifted her fans a Man’s Best Friend bonus track as an early Christmas present, and Doechii teamed up with SZA for a subdued yet motivational anthem.—
Adjective
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Investigators turned their case over to the Ventura County and LA County District Attorney's Offices for formal charges.—
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Or, wear it with work pants, skirts, or dresses for more formal occasions.—
Adjective
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Her hairstylist gave tendril lovers an idea for a whole new way to wear one, tucking Grande's bangs behind a section of hair left loose not from her hairline but a bit farther back—still elegant, but a bit more playful and creative.—
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Lopez accessorized with diamond earrings and wore her hair in an elegant updo.—
Cite this Entry
“Stately.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stately. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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