Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous After this stupendous comeback win, Quinn honored the rookie in his way. Ben Standig, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024 The escalating statement of the stupendous is also a specialty. Ron Elving, NPR, 14 Sep. 2024 With Limerick in your sites, the stupendous 5 star Adare Manor should be your primary destination, if not for the wonderful accommodation and hospitality, then for the fine dining at The Oak Room, the area’s first Michelin starred venue. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 Precisely due to Amazon’s stupendous growth borne of a remarkable business that much of the world can’t live without, the purchase of Washington, D.C.’s most important newspaper signaled a degree of protection from the antitrust ankle-biters in Washington. John Tamny, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • So actually, the story can be looked at as a celebration of the fact that your disability can just be one wonderful part of you.
    Esme Mazzeo, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
  • And if your neighborhood doesn’t, start one! Start a Book or Card Club There’s so many wonderful books out there just waiting to be discussed.
    Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Grateful for the Eagles Organization, grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly.
    Ben Church, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Learn about some of the native plants and animals that make Volusia County such an amazing place.
    Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • TikTok, despite facing regulatory scrutiny and bans in some countries, continues to grow at an astonishing pace, with over a billion active users worldwide.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Of course, the design and insect environment is mainly a framework for astonishing circus acts.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, in order to help Ao Bing’s soul recover his tangible body, Ne Zha will have to hide his identity as a demon, overcome multiple obstacles to become an immortal, and obtain a miraculous elixir to aid his pal.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Over the past 50 years, medicine has made miraculous advances in treating leukemia and other cancers affecting kids, largely due to research supported by the National Institutes of Health.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The editing team’s incredible for being able to tell that story cohesively.
    Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025
  • This includes an incredible production team in Mexico who does not F around.
    Audrey Conklin, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Erik Kain Welcome back to your daily Wordle guide, oh thou marvelous Wordlers!
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • This was an actor with a marvelous, pliable face, not necessarily movie-star handsome but made up of bits and pieces of star quality: the cleft chin, the ready smile, the slightly doughy nose that somehow made his face look comically regal.
    Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Rubin: There was a surprising lack of campiness to this whole thing.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 2 Mar. 2025
  • This ability was not entirely surprising, given Flack’s musical background.
    Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Nebbiolo grapes for this stunning wine are grown on 45-year-old vines and hail from the Colonnello vineyard.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025
  • March has finally arrived, bringing with it a suite of stunning new tracks from some of the biggest stars in music — but which ones are your favorites this week?
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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