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

Examples 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

Motherland, by Julia Ioffe (June 17) Later in 2025 Nowhere Burning, Catriona Ward (October 7) $27 $29 now 7% off After the brilliant, cerebral chills of The House on Needless Street and Looking Glass Sound, Catriona Ward’s Nowhere Burning promises a more candidly monstrous thriller. —

Vulture Editors, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 Check out the video above to see the monstrous handheld in action, and read on for more details. —

Brian Westover, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025 From the eerie precision with which Moore applies and removes lipstick in the now-iconic scene to her ability to balance fragility with monstrous confidence, critics and audiences alike agree: this is the best work of her decades-long career. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025 China has appeared in Trump’s rallies and press conferences as a monstrous adversary, a foe whom only Trump can subdue. —

Yan Xuetong, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for monstrous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous

Adjective

The track is a nearly motionless waltz, with dark ambient stirrings of distorted guitar, wafting toward relief or death.

Jon Pareles, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and President-elect Donald Trump often presented distorted views of the health of the labor market, with the Democratic angle largely focusing solely on headline labor market growth and Trump mischaracterizing the gains solely as a pandemic rebound.

Derek Saul, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025