Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of tremendous are monstrous, prodigious, and stupendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

When might monstrous be a better fit than tremendous?

In some situations, the words monstrous and tremendous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 it sensible to use prodigious instead of tremendous?

The synonyms prodigious and tremendous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When is stupendous a more appropriate choice than tremendous?

Although the words stupendous and tremendous have much in common, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

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 tremendous Never considered one of MLB’s best ballparks, Tropicana Field suffered tremendous damage from Hurricane Milton last October. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025 So the cosmic dark ages aren’t entirely dark; those clouds of primordial neutral hydrogen are emitting tremendous amounts of 21-cm radiation. ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025 On the other hand, the teenage tumult carries tremendous financial risk. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 Most teams have a tremendous amount at stake in the final week of the season. Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tremendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tremendous
Adjective
  • In the short term, the result is a huge boost for Real ahead of their midweek trip to Arsenal, not least because so many key players will be fresh.
    Michael Cox, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • France’s national team, on the other hand, thrives on its huge reservoir of talent.
    Philipp Lahm, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The enormous brown shape offered a perfect broadside target.
    Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Iran also continues to be a major player in the Ukraine war, backing Russia with vast arms transfers, including drones and missiles.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The bathroom could be closed off with sleek pivoting panels and came—like all suites—with a gigantic shower and round bath the size of a Jacuzzi tub.
    Chris Schaklx, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The polar vortex is a gigantic, circular area of cold air high up in the atmosphere that typically spins over the North Pole (as its name suggests).
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Stevens, 86, suffered a massive stroke in 2016 and is currently in assisted living, according to her daughter, actress Joely Fisher.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There was a feeling that the country was coming out of a massive crisis and that global institutions had a responsibility to help rebuild the country, strengthen its healthcare system, and make sure an outbreak like this could never happen again.
    The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The group had a concert the evening prior, which would put a strain on their voices, as their songs are intense and require immense vocal control.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Cena was the undisputed face of WWE for over a decade, a period of immense success for both the performer and the company, largely under McMahon's leadership and guidance.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Volunteers stirred giant pots of steaming lentils one recent afternoon as people formed a line to receive their portions.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Center a retaining wall around a tree Think of it as a giant tree planter.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On the season’s closing days, skiers and riders take their turn gaining speed down to the base of the slope, bending their knees and water skiing over a lake, pond or colossal puddle, just hoping to absorb the shock on the other side.
    Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Institute said while dying adults have previously been filmed by fishermen, the colossal squid have never been seen alive at depth.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tremendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tremendous. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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