PRODIGIOUS Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'prodigious' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of prodigious are monstrous , stupendous , and tremendous . While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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

Q: When is 'monstrous' a more appropriate choice than 'prodigious'?

The meanings of monstrous and prodigious largely overlap; however, 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

Q: When would 'stupendous' be a good substitute for 'prodigious'?

The words stupendous and prodigious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description. // a stupendous volcanic eruption

Q: When might 'tremendous' be a better fit than 'prodigious'?

While the synonyms tremendous and prodigious are close in meaning, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe. // the tremendous roar of the cataract

prodigious

adjective

prə-ˈdi-jəs

Definition of prodigious

as in marvellous

causing wonder or astonishment stage magicians performing prodigious feats for rapt audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tremendous

unusually large a prodigious supply of canned food kept in the basement for emergencies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prodigious different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of prodigious are monstrous, stupendous, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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

When is monstrous a more appropriate choice than prodigious?

The meanings of monstrous and prodigious largely overlap; however, 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 would stupendous be a good substitute for prodigious?

The words stupendous and prodigious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

When might tremendous be a better fit than prodigious?

While the synonyms tremendous and prodigious are close in meaning, 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 prodigious Considering his prodigious size (6-4, 313), Harmon likely locked himself in as a first-rounder by running a 4.95 40-yard dash with a 1.74 10-yard split in Indy. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 Even at speeds where the Maserati’s prodigious downforce isn’t on display, a sense of balance is among the clearest takeaways. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025 In the months that followed, the man’s inner life, and his prodigious talents, appeared to be suddenly let loose. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2025 During Covid-19, Dungeons & Dragons saw a prodigious surge in interest as isolated friends reconnected by playing the game remotely, which is possible over online platforms like Roll20 and communication tools like Discord. —Eric Francisco, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prodigious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious

Adjective

One of the biggest questions in front of leaders—amid tremendous investment—is how to get meaningful value out of AI.

— Dan Adika, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Mass federal layoffs initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, have also created tremendous uncertainty for businesses.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2025