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

Understood as intermittent organisms rather than monumental events, biennials can expand and contract. —Manuela Moscoso, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026

The film went on to become a fan favorite among viewers, and represented a monumental moment in pop culture history, with Brandy becoming the first Black actress to play the title role in a major production. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Apr. 2026

Monday was supposed to be a monumental day for Cody Ponce. —Tyler Erzberger, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

So everybody could come and celebrate one of the most monumental days in the annals of Orlando sports. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Mar. 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