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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
So, the ideas of infection and sheltering in place from an unstoppable, some might say monstrous, entity were already top of mind. Nick Romano, EW.com, 17 Jan. 2025 His films may have never depicted the place in flames, exactly, but more than one framed Hollywood as a surreal and monstrous syndicate. Will Bahr, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2025 Leonard was the workhorse on a monstrous 18-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to open the game. Charles Odum, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 And when Bridges had a monstrous putback dunk to tie the game at 102-all, the place nearly lifted off the ground. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for monstrous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous
Adjective
  • According to Variety, the studio previously used AI to create the opening sequence for Secret Invasion, which featured eerie, distorted cityscapes and warped figures.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025
  • So do leaders whose notoriety is based on abnormal or distorted preferences, such as ones associated with fanaticism or extremism.
    Roseanne McManus, Foreign Affairs, 24 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Friday’s 102-86 setback in Brooklyn - marked by a gruesome fourth quarter in which Miami was outscored 31-9 – left the Heat at 25-25.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Osgood Perkins is back in his horror bag to bring the short story from Stephen King to the big screen, following twin brothers Bill and Hal, who find their father's old toy monkey in the attic, an event which leads to a series of gruesome deaths.
    Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • One thing management certainly has announced is a gigantic restructuring of TV and digital assets.
    Tony Maglio, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Authorities have built a gigantic tent city on the banks of the rivers to accommodate the millions of pilgrims and tourists attending the festival -- equipped with 3,000 kitchens, 150,000 toilets, roads, electricity, water, communication towers and 11 hospitals, according to the Associated Press.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Also: Her ugly drag face at the start of the competition has apparently freed her up to do character paints in the challenges that the other girls aren’t touching.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
  • The star of The Rookie took to Instagram to share the good, bad, and ugly parts of welcoming her third child, daughter Rhiannon.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 28 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • Read more: Climate Change Increases Home Runs Climate Central tracks not just average rising temperatures, but extremely hot days, which are defined as days on which the thermometer hits or exceeds 91°F.
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Her father picks it up for him, but is disappointed to see what appears to be a condom imprint, making for an extremely awkward moment in front of the family.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • With snipers on rooftops, military vehicles on the streets and troops and cops everywhere, Trump was scheduled to meet with families of those killed and injured in the horrific New Year’s Day attack in NOLA.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2025
  • How safe would the thousands be in this city just one month after the horrific attack?
    Scott Thompson, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • There is a huge, huge demand for the film in the United States.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 8 Feb. 2025
  • After Welcoming Daughter Golden Large fish could be seen swimming in a huge floor-to-ceiling tank behind them.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The result was good for the Jayhawks, as the Cyclones shot a hideous 1-for-12 (11%) from long range.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Rust is a big deal, as is the fact that many Panteras have been mangled by previous owners bestowing hideous enhancements (think bad celebrity plastic surgery) on otherwise desirable cars.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near monstrous

Cite this Entry

“Monstrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monstrous. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

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