monumental

adjective

mon·​u·​men·​tal ˌmän-yə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

1

: serving as or resembling a monument : massive

monumental sculptures

also : highly significant : outstanding

a monumental painting that stunned the American public

2

: of or relating to a monument

modern monumental architecture

3

: very great

a monumental misunderstanding

monumentality

ˌmän-yə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē 

-ˌmen-

noun

monumentally

ˌmän-yə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of monumental

• magnificent
• epic
• glorious
• imposing
• massive
• majestic
• grand
• proud
• colossal

Examples of monumental in a Sentence

It's more than a mistake; it's a case of monumental stupidity.

the monumental complexity of the issue

Repairing the damage will be a monumental task.

The class was about modern monumental architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Nowhere is that more evident than in the living room, where a Noguchi Akari pendant hovers before the loft’s monumental windows, casting a warm glow over an ensemble of vintage pieces. — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

While his monumental installations continue to expand in scale and ambition, his jewelry remains the purest expression of his artisanship and craftsmanship. — Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Herod the Great later rebuilt it, renamed it Sebastia, and added monumental structures that survived through the Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Crusader periods. — Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Since then, archaeologists have largely agreed that the Warrior of Capestrano is a pre-Roman artifact from the Piceni civilization, and the oldest Italic statue of such monumental proportions. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for monumental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• nonjudgmental

Kids Definition

monumental

adjective

mon·​u·​men·​tal ˌmän-yə-ˈment-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to a monument

2

: serving as or resembling a monument : massive

also : highly significant : outstanding

3

: very great

monumental stupidity

monumentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb