Definition of stupendousnext

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 Ever since Derry Girls wrapped in 2022, all eyes have been trained on where next for the stupendous comic talent of Lisa McGee. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 What’s stunning about the venture isn’t so much the stupendous scale of investment—that’s what AI is all about—but that six leaders in the field that are competitors in different products to different degrees, and often fierce opponents, could unite to form a single company. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 Nov. 2025 Designed to survey a large portion of the entire sky over and over, more deeply and in a speedier fashion than ever before, its science goals are stupendous. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025 But Pullman’s abilities as a storyteller are stupendous, and on full display. Lev Grossman, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • The teams got invaluable data — and some wonderful video too.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Books Are Magic, a wonderful bookshop owned by novelist Emma Staub, alone could suck up an entire morning.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other hand, your own feelings (pleasant or otherwise) could inspire amazing artwork.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Crew has an amazing sight in store Four days later during the lunar flyby, the moon will appear to be the size of a basketball held at arm’s length.
    Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The administration has asked for an astonishing $200 billion to fund a war that the president also sporadically claims is over, giving legislators an unappetizing choice between funding a quagmire or else walking away and leaving a mess behind.
    David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Archaeologists discovered two astonishing Iron Age hoards in North Yorkshire, one of them being the largest ever found in British history, which has changed the historical understanding of wealth and power in pre-Roman Britain.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The community is on the brink of collapse – until Elias’ estranged brother Joosua returns from prison and performs a miraculous healing.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Out went the optimism about mRNA and in came wild theories that this miraculous, Nobel Prize-winning technology wasn’t safe.
    Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The most marvelous of all the vestments is a cope embroidered in a workshop in Genoa in the late 17th century.
    Sarah Kozlowski, Dallas Morning News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Jessie Buckley is having a marvelous Mother's Day.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Go up against incredible competition and the expectations and some change, right?
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 30 Mar. 2026
  • We were robbed of an incredible human.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But for me the story of Shakur’s jailbreak was not just a piece of radical political history but a surprising revelation about my own family.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The bigger adventures will come, but sometimes the most surprising inspiration arrives on an ordinary street corner in your own city.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby is separated into small, lounge-like spaces, including a reception desk that’s tucked away in an alcove under a stunning sculpture of falling dandelions.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The Owls beat Tennessee in the Sweet 16 three years ago as part of a stunning run to the Final Four.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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