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 With Limerick in your sites, the stupendous 5 star Adare Manor should be your primary destination, if not for the wonderful accommodation and hospitality, then for the fine dining at The Oak Room, the area’s first Michelin starred venue. Paul Caputo, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for stupendous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • This is a debut entry and a wonderful term that’s new to me.
    Caitlin Lovinger, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Tucci hosts the popular Tucci - The Heart of Italy show which tours the country sampling and celebrating the wonderful food that originates there.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The story of coach Michael Allen and Maranatha High girls’ basketball team is nothing short of amazing.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Chelsea is the other one with an amazing record of producing high quality players.
    Andy Jones, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Listen to this article The Justice Department on Monday night told federal prosecutors in Mayor Adams’ corruption case to drop the charges against him — an astonishing move that immediately sparked political backlash.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to refuting Yao’s conjecture, the new paper also contains what many consider an even more astonishing result.
    Steve Nadis, Quanta Magazine, 10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In a miraculous fall from the height of fame, Faithfull lost custody of her child and wound up homeless on the streets of London.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025
  • By the wannabe Yoda’s logic, as successful as a network like NBC was at the time, within a few years, one of its lesser rivals would almost surely mount a miraculous comeback and leave the Peacock looking plucked.
    Josef Adalian, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Its pint-size bottles of serum are seriously incredible too.
    Devon Abelman, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
  • So to be able to share our love and passion for horses with each other is just incredible.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • In this marvelous, world-building book, Okorafor again showcases her imaginative power and gift of storytelling.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Now, another one is on its way, this one — bonus of all bonuses — featuring the marvelous Kara Young.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Tucker, Betts, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are your steady vets, and there is surprising consensus around Julio Rodriguez, Jackson Chourio and Wyatt Langford.
    Owen Poindexter, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
  • This luxury resort, set in the tranquil countryside, is your gateway to surprising epicurean adventures as well.
    Wendy Altschuler, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The unplanned synchronicity of these looks created a stunning visual against the snowy backdrop.
    Stixx Mathews, Essence, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Tucked away on the stunning Preá Beach, famous for its vibrant kitesurfing scene, Terra dos Ventos is the most expensive property ever listed for sale in the area—and just so happens to be entirely powered by solar panels.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stupendous

Cite this Entry

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

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