MONSTROUS Synonyms: 406 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'monstrous' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of monstrous are prodigious , stupendous , and tremendous . While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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

Q: In what contexts can 'prodigious' take the place of 'monstrous'?

In some situations, the words prodigious and monstrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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

Q: Where would 'stupendous' be a reasonable alternative to 'monstrous'?

Although the words stupendous and monstrous 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'tremendous' instead of 'monstrous'?

The words tremendous and monstrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe. // the tremendous roar of the cataract

monstrous 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmän(t)-strəs

Definition of monstrous next

as in distorted

badly or imperfectly formed a monstrous melon that was clearly not fit to eat

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as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent the monstrous measures taken by the dictator against anyone who opposed his regime

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as in gigantic

unusually large a monstrous tomato as big as a basketball

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as in ugly

unpleasant to look at some monstrous high-rises have begun to spoil that lovely residential neighborhood

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monstrous

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adverb

chiefly dialect

as in extremely

to a great degree a monstrous pretty gal, she was

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of monstrous are prodigious, stupendous, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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

In what contexts can prodigious take the place of monstrous?

In some situations, the words prodigious and monstrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 stupendous be a reasonable alternative to monstrous?

Although the words stupendous and monstrous 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

When is it sensible to use tremendous instead of monstrous?

The words tremendous and monstrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 monstrous

Adjective

Broome also has an absolutely monstrous rebound rate (25.9 percent) and averages nearly three assists for every turnover. —

John Hollinger, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Regular humans carry on loving and living, but some monstrous evil personalities attempt to seize power. —

Barbara Ellis, The Denver Post, 3 Feb. 2025 Triangle of Sadness parodied the wealthy class and their out-of-touch behaviors; The Menu gorged on monstrous culinary world personalities and the sycophants who feed them; and most recently, Blink Twice confronted the protective bubbles shielding powerful men from accountability. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Jan. 2025 His function was just as monstrous as mathematicians had feared. —

Solomon Adams, Quanta Magazine, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for monstrous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous

Adjective

According to Variety, the studio previously used AI to create the opening sequence for Secret Invasion, which featured eerie, distorted cityscapes and warped figures.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
So do leaders whose notoriety is based on abnormal or distorted preferences, such as ones associated with fanaticism or extremism.

— Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2025