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 Crested Butte, a small ski town about four hours southwest of Denver, is so blessed with stupendous mountain blooms, it has been nicknamed the Wildflower Capital of Colorado. Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 6 Mar. 2025 The 22-inch optional wheels look stupendous, but Porsche will not compromise balance and the entire package for a style statement. Mark Ewing, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 Most of the seven, if not all, are assumed to be the beneficiaries of the stupendous growth of artificial intelligence. John Rau, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Witness Rishabh Pant's stupendous 61 that has given India a chance to square the series. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Who would have thought that Donald Trump would be the one to stop Tesla's amazing international sales run in its tracks?
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This urban getaway lacks the drama of national park favorites like Zion or the Grand Canyon, but its conservation successes are quite astonishing.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Even so, his start was nothing short of astonishing.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington then completed the miraculous comeback on a game-winning floater by Bub Carrington as the final buzzer sounded.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Newton North, after a miraculous reverse sweep of Natick in the state semifinals, clawed back in five sets against three-time reigning champion Needham to win its first state title.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Munn: These are people who have incredible wealth and are crumbling in front of your eyes.
    Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There’s also pressure to read an incredible amount (in my opinion, videos that feature ultra-short books to help viewers boost their end-of-year tally miss the point; reading is not a competition!)—and to spend quite a lot of money.
    Leila Herrmann, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Risen delivers a marvellous account of the Hiss case, with its many plot twists, involving accusations about a fake typewriter, microfilm hidden in a pumpkin, and the intricacies of ornithology.
    Beverly Gage, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The other dining option is Sila, where food is displayed buffet style but served by a marvelous crew, on custom porcelain from the French brand Pillivuyt.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • And speaking of monologues, Carrie Coon’s surprising final sentiment has to be one of the finale’s pinnacles.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At the end of Season 3, Belinda finds herself in a surprising position of power after Greg offers her $100,000 to keep quiet about his identity.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The stunning move may have repercussions on hundreds of other international students who have been targeted by the administration.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt then said Tuesday that Trump’s threats of even higher tariffs on China will become reality after midnight, when imports from China will be taxed at a stunning 104% rate.
    Time, Time, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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