Grand, in reference to objects of taste, is applied to that which expands the mind by a sense of vastness and majesty; magnificent is applied to anything which is imposing from its splendor; sublime describes that which is awful and elevating.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Example sentences

brilliant Even if it's not true, it's a brilliant invention.
glorious The heroes were congratulated with a glorious song.
splendid His nephew was absorbed in the splendid fireworks.
majestic "This is my cat, Cookie." "What a majestic floof!"

Popularity over time

Word	1850 → 2019	Trend
magnificent		steady
brilliant		steady
glorious		rising
splendid		steady
majestic		rising

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

4 letters: gurt
5 letters: great¹, grand¹, proud¹
6 letters: superb²
7 letters: sublime², stately²
8 letters: gorgeous², glorious³, splendid², heavenly³, imposing³, majestic³, palatial³, selcouth
9 letters: wonderful³, excellent³, brilliant², sumptuous², grandiose³
10 letters: impressive³
11 letters: outstanding³, magnanimous⁴

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (superb² = 2 syllables).

In other languages

Français: magnifique
Italiano: magnifico
Deutsch: bildschön