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monstrous

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adverb

chiefly dialect

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of monstrous are prodigious, stupendous, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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

In what contexts can prodigious take the place of monstrous?

In some situations, the words prodigious and monstrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 stupendous be a reasonable alternative to monstrous?

Although the words stupendous and monstrous 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

When is it sensible to use tremendous instead of monstrous?

The words tremendous and monstrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 monstrous
Adjective
The game unraveled after his exit, as the Nationals scored three more runs in the sixth, two of them on Bell’s monstrous 431-foot homer to left center. Steve Gorten, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025 Her monstrous transformations are killing her, and the device Isaac invented will take her powers away and give her her health back. Selome Hailu, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025 The slats that cover the Concept C's rear bring to mind the cooling louvres at the rear of the Type C, necessary to let the heat generated by its monstrous V16 engine to escape the rear engine bay. Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 Fresh off of an inspired second-half showing at Southern Utah behind quarterback Caden Pinnick to secure their first victory, the UC Davis Aggies now prepare for a monstrous challenge in Seattle. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monstrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous
Adjective
  • The socio-economic mechanics of traditional insurance create a distorted landscape, one where disciplined, loss-conscious businesses subsidize the behavior of less responsible market players.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • This can create a distorted picture.
    Mykola Lukashuk, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But everything changes when a string of gruesome killings—which grow increasingly bizarre, with victims covered in rashes and found in deranged, violent states—involves his young daughter Hyo-jin (Kim Hwan-hee).
    Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
  • TikTok prohibits gory, gruesome or extremely violent clips.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • You may be relieved to know that this book does not involve a gigantic replica of anyone’s birth canal.
    Jamie Harrow, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Royer, who worked as an architect before joining Ford 15 years ago, said the miniature clay world headquarters will be something people can use to navigate the real-life gigantic space.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The only debate is which of his five interceptions against LSU was the ugliest and/or costliest in a 20-10 loss.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The results were ugly and caused lasting damage to our citizens' livelihoods and our city's reputation.
    Ted Wheeler, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Or consider the extremely rapid development of vaccines during the recent COVID pandemic.
    Alan Lightman September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk has risen in popularity over the years for his extremely polarizing takes, which resulted in a heavy split among reactions to his passing.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Right-wing politicians have long used horrific crime stories – particularly those featuring Black suspects and White victims – to make broader criticisms of Democrats as soft on crime.
    Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The surveillance footage of the horrific attack was released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) over the weekend, FOX News reported.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Studio Ends Big Night With Record Wins Seth Rogen closed out a huge night for Apple TV+’s The Studio, which won best comedy.
    Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Stewart has also become a huge advocate for New Yorkers who were exposed to deadly toxins during the 9/11 attacks, and even spoke before Congress in 2019 to urge the passing of a bill that would provide aid to victims.
    Keith Langston, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hart was short, with a hideous combover.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025
  • That hideous incentive triggered My Lai and other similarly heinous attacks.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Monstrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monstrous. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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