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 Ossoff has long ranked among the nation’s most prodigious political fundraisers. Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 15 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for prodigious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Linebacker Zaire Franklin had tremendous coverage on an incomplete pass down the middle for tight end Josh Whyle.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There are tremendous challenges around delivering this in practice given the differing problems and motivations across continents and federations.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But the most extraordinary thing on the screen is Antonio Banderas, who delivers an astonishing, devastating performance as the proprietor of the restaurant where Bourdain finds work, and on whose porch Tony ends up sleeping for the summer.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • With the James Webb Space Telescope, next-generation ground observatories, and future missions on the horizon, these seven worlds are unlikely to remain the most astonishing for long.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If the referendum passes, Miami will join the vast majority of Miami-Dade cities that hold elections in even years.
    Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The Jayhawks used a search firm to find candidates, and Goff noted that the pool of candidates was vast, including a lot of people from professional sports franchises.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The sense of antiquity is preserved (stone staircases worn smooth by the centuries, wooden shutters in the bedrooms), but there’s no shortage of modern amenities, from the amazing Duxiana beds to bathrooms with rain showers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • But there’s so many amazing female filmmakers out there as well, who are making really cool films and doing amazing work.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • And enormous sums of money are needed to upgrade Venezuela’s decaying infrastructure after years of underinvestment and little maintenance.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In their third epic encounter, Femi slayed Lesnar with an enormous Fall From Grace powerbomb to potentially send Lesnar off into retirement.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Somehow those words in that order had never been used in a country song before, which seems miraculous.
    Stephen Deusner, SPIN, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Their lives were recorded in the form of hagiographies, stories of the saints, often ornamented with folkloric motifs, focusing on marvelous adventures and miraculous doings.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • India is another huge buyer, Jungman said, accounting for about a quarter of exports, while European countries like Spain and the Netherlands are also in the mix.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Solo Sikoa received a huge face reaction in his tag team victory, while Nick Aldis was reinstated as SmackDown GM despite a loss to Gunther.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prodigious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prodigious. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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