Definition of stupendousnext

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 Rinko Kikuchi is stupendous as a ballroom-dancing widow infatuated with her instructor. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026 To proceed more or less in order, renewables are now increasingly backstopped not by fossil fuels but by batteries, which have grown cheaper at a stupendous pace. Bill McKibben, The New York Review of Books, 15 Jan. 2026 In the box score, Robinson’s day was stupendous with 195 yards on 22 carries as well as five catches for 34 yards and his two touchdowns. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 Steier’s clear writing and stupendous graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo illuminate how vaccine critics and Kennedy allies David and Mark Geier have relied on a web of shoddy science — and gives readers tools for how to not fall for the anti-vaccine playbook. Stat Staff, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • There’s a wonderful small moment midway through the season where Reilly’s lightly bugging out in his dingy apartment, shaking out his limbs at sharp, insectile angles to get comfortable.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 26 May 2026
  • All wonderful real-life lessons that can happen in their own neighborhood or local area.
    VaNessa Duplessie, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Adjective
  • But Bodo/Glimt knocking out last season’s finalists Inter was amazing too.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Laura Dern looks amazing in marabou feathers, Marissa Long stuns in sequins, and Chris Messina is also there.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Antonin Kinsky slipping, Micky van de Ven sliding, Kinsky getting his feet tangled up and then being taken off by then-coach Igor Tudor with Atleti already three goals up… genuinely astonishing.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Swiss companies support nearly 400,000 American jobs — an astonishing number for a nation of only about nine million people.
    Richard W. Rahn, Fortune, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Coaching check-in The Vegas Golden Knights’ late-season coaching change has been nothing short of miraculous.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 26 May 2026
  • With almost miraculous effects, just a drop of this Korean cream is enough to boost elasticity in the skin, even on neck wrinkles.
    Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • Somewhere in the hills outside the city of Karjat in India, there is a marvelous house that bridges the gap between two pieces of land.
    Stefan Ionescu May 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2026
  • Earlier this year, my sister and I went to San Francisco’s marvelous art museum, the Palace of the Legion of Honor.
    Tom Levenson, Time, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Aaron Cannon is the co-founder and CEO of Outset, a leading AI-moderated research platform that captures incredible feedback in a way that feels like an interview, not a typical questionnaire.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
  • On top of that, the housing market offers incredible homes at relatively reasonable prices for a coastal city.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • The offensive part is not surprising.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 24 May 2026
  • Much of this will not be surprising.
    William Muck, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
Adjective
  • An unsettled gubernatorial contest In the gubernatorial race, none of the many Democratic candidates has been able to consolidate a sizable lead, creating a lingering apprehension that Republicans could somehow eke out a stunning upset in the biggest of blue states.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
  • And that’s exactly what happened in March, when Richard Mille moved to a stunning new spot on 20 Avenue Princesse Alice—marking a luxury destination that firmly establishes the watchmaker’s position in the Principality.
    Ming Liu, Robb Report, 24 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 31 May. 2026.

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