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Synonyms

magnificent

American  
[mag-nif-uh-suhnt] / mægˈnɪf ə sənt /

adjective

  1. making a splendid appearance or show; of exceptional beauty, size, etc..

    a magnificent cathedral; magnificent scenery.

    Synonyms:
    sublime, exquisite, opulent, sumptuous, majestic
    Antonyms:
    poor, modest
  2. extraordinarily fine; superb.

    a magnificent opportunity; magnificent weather.

  3. noble; sublime.

    a magnificent poem.

  4. (usually initial capital letter) (formerly used as a title of some rulers) great; grand.

    Lorenzo the Magnificent.

  5. lavishly munificent; extravagant.

    a magnificent inheritance.


magnificent British  
/ mæɡˈnɪfɪsənt /

adjective

  1. splendid or impressive in appearance

  2. superb or very fine

  3. (esp of ideas) noble or elevated

  4. archaic great or exalted in rank or action

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

Magnificent, gorgeous, splendid, superb are terms of high admiration and all are used informally in weak exaggeration. Something that is magnificent is beautiful, princely, grand, or ostentatious: a magnificent display of paintings; a magnificent view of the harbor. That which is gorgeous moves one to admiration by the richness and (often colorful) variety of its effects: a gorgeous array of handsome gifts. That which is splendid is dazzling or impressive in its brilliance, radiance, or excellence: splendid jewels; a splendid body of scholars. That which is superb is above others in, or is of the highest degree of, excellence, elegance, or (less often, today) grandeur: a superb concert; superb wines.

Other Word Forms

  • magnificently adverb
  • magnificentness noun
  • supermagnificent adjective
  • supermagnificently adverb

Etymology

Origin of magnificent

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin magnificent-, stem of magnificentior “grander,” comparative of magnificus magnific

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.

As a magnificent piece of design, Kwei suggests the Queen was looking to make a statement about Britain.

From BBC

The tragic hero in Shakespeare’s magnificent play isn’t Julius Caesar but Marcus Junius Brutus, one of the conspirators who plots to assassinate the Roman dictator.

From The Wall Street Journal

Captain Cummins had not bowled a ball since July because of a back injury, yet was magnificent.

From BBC

At the same time, 54% of fund managers say that “long magnificent seven” is the most crowded trade.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, 54% of fund managers say that “long magnificent seven” is the most crowded trade.

From The Wall Street Journal