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

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 stupendous Precisely due to Amazon’s stupendous growth borne of a remarkable business that much of the world can’t live without, the purchase of Washington, D.C.’s most important newspaper signaled a degree of protection from the antitrust ankle-biters in Washington. John Tamny, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Moon of the Wolf (1972) This stupendous Movie of the Week concerns a small-town Louisiana sheriff (David Janssen) who becomes increasingly convinced that the man behind a spate of horrific murders is, in fact, a werewolf. EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024 After that came Carr’s stupendous biography Fire in the Belly in 2012, a retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2018, and a steady stream of scholarly projects. Jackson Davidow, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019 Reese had a stupendous rookie season this year as a part of the Chicago Sky. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stupendous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Away from the bottle-poppers of Mykonos, but hardly removed from the season’s social buzz, the white-washed, flat-roofed villas that wrap the cliffs of Santorini are wonderful places to while away a summer.
    Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The melty cheese and crispy bread are a wonderful combination.
    Nick Siano, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk has many amazing traits, but wisdom is not one of them.
    Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025
  • So pack your bags and get ready to stay in some of the most amazing cave hotels in the United States and around the world.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And the work of our photographers, often putting themselves in harm’s way, has been astonishing.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Tech entrepreneur Jeff Atwood says wealth inequality in the U.S. is unfair, astonishing and un-American.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Not even the most miraculous shot of his life was enough to earn Nikola Jokic the fourth quarter off this time.
    Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2025
  • No, this isn’t a miraculous leadership makeover that infuses you with supernatural energy.
    Liz Guthridge, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Lions, after an incredible 15-2 regular season, couldn’t overcome massive injuries to their defense that coordinator Aaron Glenn, another hot coaching candidate, somehow managed as the year wore on.
    Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Also, the Chardonnay and Bordeaux-blend range in price from $42 to $44, respectively, and are of incredible value as ultra-premium South African wines have not become trendy in the U.S., not yet, anyway.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • And for any thrill seekers with aviation experience, a trike flight offers truly marvelous views of Los Llanos, allowing guests to soar above the plains and scan the landscapes for native species.
    Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Cooking Soy Sauce Noodles With Cabbage and Fried Eggs Jan. 29, 2023 Thursday Alexa Weibel developed this marvelous recipe for a creamy white bean soup with spicy paprika oil.
    Sam Sifton, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Denver was one of the more surprising teams in the NFL this season, finishing 10-7 and making the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in 2015.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Jan. 2025
  • However, the way Davis’ preferences were revealed was a bit surprising given his typically quiet maneuvering.
    Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Video on social media showed the explosion and its aftermath as remains of the spacecraft are seen breaking up in what looks like a stunning meteor shower.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Start shopping now to take advantage of the enormous deals and add some stunning new luxury items to your closet.
    Rachel Simon, Southern Living, 18 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stupendous

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupendous

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