Synonym Chooser

How is the word tremendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of tremendous are monstrous, prodigious, and stupendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

When might monstrous be a better fit than tremendous?

In some situations, the words monstrous and tremendous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 it sensible to use prodigious instead of tremendous?

The synonyms prodigious and tremendous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When is stupendous a more appropriate choice than tremendous?

Although the words stupendous and tremendous have much in common, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

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 tremendous Our thoughts are with Anne's family, friends and fans during this time of tremendous loss. Melissa Gaffney, CBS News, 17 June 2025 Even as its economy grows inarguably larger, India will still face tremendous challenges of deprivation and grievance that could threaten the country’s social stability and national power. Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 Nielsen cautioned that rankings may fluctuate because broadcast networks still command a tremendous share of eyeballs, particularly when NFL football airs. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 So many tremendous moments from players across the roster. Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tremendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tremendous
Adjective
  • To lose one legend before a huge Test series could be put down to misfortune, but losing two looked anything but careless for India at Headingley, where two of the younger faces of their batting lineup stepped comfortably into the shoes of giants.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 20 June 2025
  • The prize money the club will receive, which is huge compared to prize money domestically and in the OFC, could further add to its dominance in New Zealand and Oceania, and skew the balance domestically and regionally.
    James Nalton, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • As Russia has demonstrated in its war in Ukraine, the country that controls global navigation systems and can disarm the satellites of its adversaries will have enormous military advantages.
    Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • The group wields enormous influence setting vaccine policy in the United States, including which vaccines will be covered by insurance.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Browsing Facebook for organizers of class reunions is an apt way to find a master node that can connect you to a vast network of people willing to talk.
    Brendan O’Meara June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
  • Maybe one day democracy really will bloom like wildflowers across the vast deserts of the Middle East, just as the neocons envisioned.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The reluctance to do so earlier has converted a modest problem into a gigantic problem.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The pair had performed earlier in the night at the Blue Note Jazz Festival, where Jones hula-hooped to a song in sheer black tights, a thong, and one of her gigantic signature red and black headdresses.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Energy Prices The war between Israel and Iran had evoked fears of a regional conflict that results in massive civilian casualties, and disrupts the flow of energy and other trade through the region.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • As muscular as Lewis-Parry already is, special makeup effects supervisor John Nolan added even more muscles on top of his massive frame, especially to his back.
    Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • People of all ages gather at the river in the above photograph, with family bungalow houses and immense greenery receding into the distance.
    Diane Cole, NPR, 19 June 2025
  • The immense gravity of this cluster acts as a natural magnifying glass, bending and amplifying light coming from much more distant, ancient galaxies behind it.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Inskeep: Regardless of the involvement the United States may have had up to now, there's the discussion of the United States specifically deploying a bunker-busting bomb, a giant bomb that could potentially, we're told, damage or destroy an Iranian nuclear facility at Fordo beneath a mountain.
    Steve Inskeep, NPR, 18 June 2025
  • Inspired by Napoleon’s habit of using toy soldiers to plot his military battles, the designer dotted the entrance with giant cutouts with gold outlines, and shrouded the floor in smoke.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Argentina’s Boca have a seductive madness about them, engendered by their colossal support.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • Someone who, at a colossal 6-foot-4, 332 pounds, might just be the run-stopping monster this defense desperately needed a season ago.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tremendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tremendous. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on tremendous

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!