grandiose
Impressively but pretentiously
Grandiose describes something impressive in scale or ambition—or something that tries too hard to be.
A grandiose palace genuinely impresses; grandiose plans may or may not succeed.
The word often carries a whiff of excess or self-importance: His grandiose speeches promised more than he could deliver.
When applied to people, grandiose usually suggests inflated self-regard bordering on delusion.
Affectedly grand in manner
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- bombasticExcessively inflated language
- overblownInflated beyond reasonable proportion
- affectedArtificially contrived behavior
theatrical · exaggerated · inflated · highfalutin · overwrought · melodramatic · florid · flamboyant
Impressively dignified and beautiful
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
- splendorImpressive, striking beauty
- opulenceShowy, abundant prosperity
- resplendentImpressively beautiful, richly shining
monumental · imposing · stately · regal · palatial · lavish · sumptuous · extravagant
Excessively ornate or elaborate
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
- gothicDark, mysterious aesthetic
- cathedralBishop's principal church
- palaceMonarch's official residence
pantheon · basilica · dome · frescoes · chandeliers · ballroom · throne-room · gilded
Imaginative planner of futures
- boldCourageous and daring
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
- audaciousRecklessly or disrespectfully fearless
- far-reachingHaving broad impact
lofty · epic · expansive · utopian · quixotic · overreaching · hubristic · unrealistic
pompous
Affectedly grand in manner
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- bombasticExcessively inflated language
- overblownInflated beyond reasonable proportion
affected · theatrical · exaggerated · inflated · highfalutin · overwrought · melodramatic · florid · flamboyant · showy
majestic
Impressively dignified and beautiful
- magnificentExceptionally beautiful or impressive
- splendorImpressive, striking beauty
- opulenceShowy, abundant prosperity
resplendent · monumental · imposing · stately · regal · palatial · lavish · sumptuous · extravagant · ornate
baroque
Excessively ornate or elaborate
- rococoExcessively elaborate in style
- gothicDark, mysterious aesthetic
- cathedralBishop's principal church
palace · pantheon · basilica · dome · frescoes · chandeliers · ballroom · throne-room · gilded · marble
visionary
Imaginative planner of futures
- boldCourageous and daring
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
- audaciousRecklessly or disrespectfully fearless
far-reaching · lofty · epic · expansive · utopian · quixotic · overreaching · hubristic · unrealistic · impractical
- arrogancearrogant, conceited, pompous, vain, haughty
- Building Adjectivesangular, arched, columned, domed, vaulted
- dramatic tonesintense, tense, suspenseful, ominous, foreboding
- egotismarrogant, conceited, egocentric, egomaniac, egotist
- epicIliad, Odyssey, Beowulf, Aeneid, Gilgamesh
- flashyshowy, flamboyant, glitzy, gaudy, garish
grandiosemodest
Lacking in pretension
small-scale · humble · limited · moderate · restrained
grandiosehumble
Unassuming about oneself
modest · unpretentious · unassuming · down-to-earth · self-effacing
grandioseunimpressive
Failing to inspire admiration
unimposing · unremarkable · unprepossessing · mediocre · run-of-the-mill
- grandiose delusionsUnfounded beliefs of superiority