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 Dear brothers and sisters: In the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, death and life contended in a stupendous struggle, but the Lord now lives forever (cf. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025 Opulent, But Moreover Confident Before slapping on the Manufaktur-rich veneer of opulence, the 2025 Mercedes G550 is a stupendous SUV. Peter Nelson, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Adebayo was stupendous early; Herro was magnificent in the second half. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Since Frick’s 1919 death, this stupendous museum has added countless gifts and acquisitions. Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
  • And now more people can experience this wonderful adventure on Netflix starting May 15, 2025.
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Dominic Solanke works exceptionally hard but 15 goals in 42 appearances is not an amazing return from their club-record £65m striker.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • With some of the most history, art, and culture in the world packed into this small country, as well as amazing food and wine, this is a culture vulture’s paradise.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • After 23 years and an astonishing 4,953 episodes, the show reaches its finale Friday as the sports media industry’s most prolific on-air talent incubator.
    Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • This gem detailing the ancient underground aqueducts of Rome gives both a visual and historical account of man’s insatiable appetite to overcome nature and create astonishing engineering marvels to uplift the human condition.
    Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Revival — Premieres Thursday, June 12 at 10 p.m. ET/PT On one miraculous day in rural Wisconsin, the recently deceased suddenly rise from their graves.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2025
  • That Jia could make anything out of that flotsam and jetsam is astonishing, but his ability to not only recreate those time frames but craft all of it into a woozy, free-floating memory piece is miraculous.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • At the end of December 2022, Heine reflected on her incredible year with a heartfelt post on Instagram.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • With their incredible skill to adapt to most climates and locations, foxes are widespread across all continents except Antarctica, and there are more than 30 species globally.
    Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Aromas are reminiscent of beautiful Sicilian fields of wildflowers and olive trees with blackberry compote, fresh black currants with sweet tobacco, and a marvelous finishing note of smoldering earth that goes on and on along the sculpted tannins.
    Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Either way, Harnett’s elation is marvelous to behold — and highly contagious.
    Joe Leydon, Variety, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • If the ballroom dancing was unexpected, the evening’s entertainment in Clamecy was even more surprising.
    Rachel Howard, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2025
  • His comments came shortly after surprising fans with the announcement of their sixth child in 2023.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • On Sunday night, Brennand will be the recipient of the Kering and Festival du Cannes 2025 Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award because of the stunning achievement that Manas is.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 18 May 2025
  • On March 15, 2024, a solar flare and an accompanying CME led to stunning auroras across the solar system, including on Mars.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupendous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!