Definition of prodigiousnext
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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of prodigious are monstrous, stupendous, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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 monstrous a more appropriate choice than prodigious?

The meanings of monstrous and prodigious largely overlap; 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 would stupendous be a good substitute for prodigious?

The words stupendous and prodigious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

When might tremendous be a better fit than prodigious?

While the synonyms tremendous and prodigious are close in meaning, 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 prodigious Born to a wealthy family in Port-au-Prince, the young Chevalier has a prodigious talent for soccer. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 America's remarkable technological prowess, prodigious military capabilities, wide range of underlying economic strengths, history of resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit remain pillars of progress and reasons for optimism. Robert Hormats, Time, 4 July 2026 On July 4, John Hancock, of Massachusetts, president of the Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence with his prodigious signature in an almost empty chamber. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2026 Fati, once a prodigious talent who broke numerous records and inherited Lionel Messi's number 10 shirt, saw his promising career at the club severely impacted by a series of debilitating knee injuries. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prodigious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • That kind of mass results in a tremendous gravitational force that pushes in on the sun’s core to the tune of over 500 billion pounds per square inch.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
  • San Diego has devoted tremendous effort and resources to addressing homelessness, and many dedicated people work every day to help those in need.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Jules Rimet Trophy — named after the former FIFA president following his death in 1956 — had an astonishing history.
    Eduardo Tansley, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Because of this tremendous heat, hydrogen atoms in the inner core of stars are zipping along at incredible speeds and slamming into each other with astonishing violence.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Beijing did not have to fire a shot, spend vast sums or use up political capital.
    Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 17 July 2026
  • Severe droughts and searing heat across vast swathes of southern Europe destroyed large parts of the olive oil harvest, culminating in a dizzying price rally that shocked industry veterans and consumers alike.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • But the Orlando installation also will not have the amazing hillside setting with its valley and mountain views that the California original promises.
    Robert Niles, Oc Register, 21 July 2026
  • Harnessing the amazing benefits AI can provide means first developing your executive decision-making skills.
    Hanneke Antonelli, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Manchester, meanwhile, faced enormous challenges in its comeback, from high levels of poverty and unemployment to poor education and crumbling infrastructure.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • This has enormous implications for how wars start, end, and are waged.
    Phillips Payson O’Brien, The Atlantic, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • The following season, Newcastle came third in the Premier League and Andy Cole scored 41 goals, a miraculous rise by the standards of most clubs and vertiginous for Newcastle.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • They’re tossed in a blend of malt-vinegar powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and MSG, a miraculous combination that activates every sensory receptor simultaneously, and nearly blows out your palate for anything else.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Their fans have provided the electricity of this tournament, travelling in huge numbers, turning Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami and Dallas into oceans of blue and white.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Notable quote There is a huge amount of animosity, every single day, thrown at trans kids.
    Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 19 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prodigious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prodigious. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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