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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 Mamdani’s success is certainly about his prodigious gifts as a politician, but those aren’t easily replicated. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 18 July 2025 Those close to Raleigh chuckle at the attention his prodigious production has earned the spotlight-averse catcher, as though they were let in on a secret before anyone else. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 July 2025 The buccaneering forward started her first game against Iceland last Thursday and demonstrated her prodigious talents by scoring twice and providing two assists in Norway’s 4-3 win. Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 With their prodigious talent, the Dodgers should not be swept in a series. Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for prodigious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious
Adjective
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The day will be a tremendous prelude to the Ryder Cup, which will be played in September at Bethpage Black, just over 200 miles northeast of Caves Valley Golf Club.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Jalen Coker, a second-year receiver who’s had a wonderful camp, will play Thursday.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 19 Aug. 2025
  • The outpouring from the community has been wonderful, and everyone has been willing to help, though there isn’t much anyone can do at the moment, according to Guzauskas.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Two enormous doors slide open to reveal a dark, gaping space beyond them.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But the implications for American patients, employers, and the healthcare system as a whole are enormous.
    Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Its share price has spiked an astonishing 365% year to date, including a 150% surge in just over a month. MP’s market cap has risen from just over $2 billion to $13 billion, entering large-cap territory—not bad for a company that brought in just $204 million in revenue last year.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Kirkpatrick’s final estimate is an astonishing $3.4 billion.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is a vast property that can hold its own alongside some of the finest hotels on the Vegas Strip.
    DeMarco Williams, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • The good-hearted yet hard-living NFL chief was equally known for his vast collection of music and sports memorabilia, which is highlighted by guitars that once belonged to rock legends the likes of Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, George Harrison, and Prince.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But each was just a short hop from Tokyo, and the payoff was a deep dive into the many famous temples, shrines and amazing gastronomy of the area.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Thornton, who graduated from the former Benjamin Franklin High School in East Harlem, was a neighborhood blacktop legend at Rucker Park in the 1980s who entertained thousands of fans at Harlem courts with his amazing moves.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Seat comfort is a huge selling-point for some drivers.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • For example, Winters said, Resolution has said that Apache Leap, the mountain to the west of the Magma site that forms the eastern border of Superior, won't be affected by the huge mine.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But leaning into the miraculous, improbable achievement of an online actual play series selling out MSG, the cast and crew were determined to do it up.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 15 Aug. 2025
  • And a couple of weeks later, those conversations paid off in Sporting’s somewhat miraculous win over the L.A. Galaxy.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prodigious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prodigious. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.

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