marvelous

adjective

mar·​vel·​ous ˈmärv-(ə-)ləs 

variants or chiefly British marvellous

1

: causing wonder : astonishing

the marvelous directional sense of migrating birds

2

: miraculous, supernatural

Gothic tales of marvelous and bizarre happenings

3

: of the highest kind or quality : notably superior

has a marvelous way with children

marvelously adverb

or chiefly British marvellously

marvelously inventive

sang marvelously

marvelousness noun

or chiefly British marvellousness

Synonyms of marvelous

• wonderful
• amazing
• astonishing
• miraculous
• surprising
• incredible
• stunning
• sublime

Examples of marvelous in a Sentence

We had a marvelous time at the party.

He has a marvelous way with children.

The weather was simply marvelous.

Recent Examples on the Web

Deutch was marvelous as Jean Seberg in last year’s Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater’s sprightly film about the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s New Wave classic Breathless. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 10 July 2026

Justin Slaten completed a marvelous bottom of the eighth with help from Jarren Duran, who covered 94 feet of ground to make a catch by the left field stands. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026

This book also sent me back to reading Lorde’s marvelous poetry. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 1 July 2026

Best Amazon Prime Day Garden & Outdoor Deals Check out marvelous markdowns on gardening tools, patio furniture, outdoor storage boxes, and pest solutions. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English merveillous, borrowed from Anglo-French, from merveille marvel entry 1 + -ous -ous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for marvelous

• marvellous

Kids Definition

marvelous

adjective

mar·​vel·​ous

variants or marvellous

ˈmärv-(ə-)ləs 

1

: causing wonder or astonishment

2

: having the characteristics of a miracle

3

: of the highest kind or quality : splendid

we had a marvelous time

marvelously adverb

marvelousness noun