grandeur
Americannoun
-
the quality or state of being impressive or awesome.
the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.
-
the quality or state of being lofty or elevated in conception or treatment.
the grandeur of a prose style.
-
the quality or state of being exalted in some deliberate way.
the grandeur of a royal court.
- Synonyms:
- splendor, pomp, majesty, stateliness
-
an instance of something that is grand.
the grandeurs of Rembrandt's paintings.
noun
-
personal greatness, esp when based on dignity, character, or accomplishments
-
magnificence; splendour
-
pretentious or bombastic behaviour
Etymology
Origin of grandeur
1490–1500; < French, Old French, equivalent to grand- grand + -eur -or 1
Explanation
Use the noun grandeur to describe something that is splendid or magnificent, such as a lofty idea or an impressive building: “The gilded domes and ornate detail added to the grandeur of the church on Red Square.” Derived from the Old French word grand, meaning “great,” the word grandeur is used to describe things that are distinguished, extraordinary, and impressive in scope. Consider the French origins of grandeur as a clue and note that this is a fancy word, best saved for describing things that are truly magnificent on a large scale. The simple beauty of a shadow’s pattern on a sidewalk probably doesn’t have grandeur, but a sunset over the Rocky Mountains probably does.
Vocabulary lists containing grandeur
100 SAT Words Beginning with "G"
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Achievement First 7th Grade IA 1 Words
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even the name suggested grandeur and royal approval, and his living in style there with Sarah Ferguson seemed to represent a sense of entitlement that rankled with the public.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
At the event, Sanford sang a song she penned in 2011 called, “Acorn,” which was inspired by the grandeur of oak trees and what they symbolize in nature.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 7, 2026
In some ways the films seem to invite accusations of pretension, of reach exceeding grasp and grandeur stretched into grandiosity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025
The Sphere is a legitimate phenomenon, looming over the skyline with alien grandeur, hosting everyone from the Backstreet Boys to the Kamala Harris campaign.
From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025
“They’ve got to swallow it,” Milo ordained with dictatorial grandeur, and almost broke his neck when he let go with one arm to wave a righteous finger in the air.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
