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 Truth surfaces, if at all, decades later, when secrets may be declassified too late to redress the stupendous harm in the interim. Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025 The sun was oppressive and Ostapenko was stupendous. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 12 July 2025 Once that's accomplished, though, the movie is a happy thrill ride, a string of stupendous (and stupendously silly) scenes in which the mutants go after the castaways. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 30 June 2025 No amount of over-tourism, or depopulation, or high water — all of which plague this stupendous town — can change that. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Make sure everyone gets to enjoy this wonderful pastime for years to come.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The music is wonderful and the archival footage a blast.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • My heart goes out to all our amazing wildlife care specialists who have suffered losses this week.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Get out to Pilsen or Little Village for authentic Mexican food, amazing street art, and unique shops; explore the boutiques and fine dining options in neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or the Gold Coast; visit the pedestrian mall in Chinatown.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The disruption led chair umpire Greg Allensworth to put Bonzi back onto his first serve, sparking an astonishing outburst from Medvedev.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
  • The Corinthian’s 54 suites range in size from 485 square feet to an astonishing 2,476 square feet.
    Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The plant’s miraculous feat of survival may seem as enigmatic as its ancestry, but the two are likely connected, according to Welch’s colleague Dr. Greg Grant, the Smith County horticulturist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
    Jessica Jordan, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
  • This is a nearly miraculous achievement for a stove setup this small and light (8 ounces).
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Both owners reported incredible business for their openings.
    Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Secretariat won the Belmont by an incredible 31 lengths, and his record time of 2:24 still stands as the fastest of all time.
    Sarah Jean Maher, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Baumbach co-wrote the script with Emily Mortimer, a marvelous actor herself, who also shows up here in just a few brief scenes.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The mouthfeel is satiny but the finish shows bright acidity—in between you’ll get tropical fruits layered into marvelous depth of flavor.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The surprising exception is that the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and other Western countries are floundering.
    Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The surprising development could come due to King Charles’ health.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Then have a look at the stunning Cantiere del Marche Flexplorer 146 Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell, or the 34-meter Pendennis Fox for adventure.
    Kathleen Turner, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • In one stunning shot, two hordes of warriors on rival sides of a conflict are seen from afar, like two waves crashing into each other.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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