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 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 Ever since Derry Girls wrapped in 2022, all eyes have been trained on where next for the stupendous comic talent of Lisa McGee. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The entire complement of ingredients and cooking apparatuses to prepare the full menu occupies a mere 6 square feet—absolutely amazing.
    George Motz, Southern Living, 6 May 2026
  • The princess has done an amazing job at activating people's minds about the value and importance of this.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • His victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ferrari 499P Hypercar marked a new peak in his astonishing recovery from a life-changing rally crash in 2011.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 May 2026
  • The nomination is really a testament to the remarkable artists who brought the play to life—our astonishing director, Kenny Leon, our extraordinary ensemble of actors, our brilliant designers, and the tireless crew, along with everyone at MTC.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Adjective
  • Impressively, 94% of the property’s waste avoids landfill— miraculous for a hotel of this size—with it either being recycled, donated, or made use of in the hotel grounds.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
  • But Orlando City scored the final four goals of the match to stun Inter Miami, clinching a miraculous 4-3 comeback victory on Saturday night at Nu Stadium.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • The cats and the bananas, the Japanese dessert, the colorful street art, the soldiers in their marvelous uniforms—these memories are as indelible as those of the ancient ruins.
    Sarah Manguso, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
  • The marvelous run in chip stocks could be in trouble.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest is home to an incredible amount of biodiversity.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 May 2026
  • In the moments before the Kentucky Derby began, two incredible women – one stepping off the grandest stage in horse racing and another about to step onto it – strode together to Churchill Downs’ paddock.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 3 May 2026
Adjective
  • The troop withdrawal is hardly surprising, said Michał Matlak, a senior fellow at the European University Institute and director of the Institute for Innovation and Technology in Warsaw.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 2 May 2026
  • One of the most pleasantly surprising things about visiting the Florida Keys is seeing how many attractions allow for four-legged visitors accompanying their humans.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • In these quietly stunning essays, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, the daughter of an Army veteran and a schoolteacher, looks back on her upbringing in Buckhannon, West Virginia.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • This popular, low-maintenance plant features stunning burgundy foliage and bright pink spring flowers.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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