Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of tremendous are monstrous, prodigious, and stupendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

When might monstrous be a better fit than tremendous?

In some situations, the words monstrous and tremendous are roughly equivalent. 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 is it sensible to use prodigious instead of tremendous?

The synonyms prodigious and tremendous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 stupendous a more appropriate choice than tremendous?

Although the words stupendous and tremendous 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

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 tremendous The ambition is tremendous, but the result feels mostly like a dead end. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025 The Lions were able to cut the lead to three when the fourth quarter began, as tight end Sam LaPorta made a tremendous one-handed catch for six points. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025 At the same time, leaders are beginning to wake up to the tremendous trump card China possesses in the form of rare earth materials. Jason Ma, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Lastly, the scholars chalk the tremendous success of the books up to Rowling’s evocative writing, which encouraged young readers to be creative while holding their attention for long periods of time. JSTOR Daily, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tremendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tremendous
Adjective
  • China’s sweeping new restrictions, some of which won’t take effect until November, could deal a huge blow to East Asian economies, such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, which play critical roles in the global tech and artificial intelligence supply chain, as well as the auto industries.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Chiefs won a huge game, and Reid played a huge role in putting them in position.
    Sam McDowell October 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But one scholar, Anthony Grafton, who about thirty years ago published Forgers and Critics, focused on how in the early modern period, there was this enormous flourishing not only of culture but also of liars.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The level of detail is enormous, but Newcastle’s story remains intimate and there is something profound about Moore filling this role in this of all places.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And, while large-scale armies were attacking one another with a vast arsenal of technological advancements, De Stijl architects and theorists were observing great opportunities for a better world based on this massive scale and these new technologies.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s my advice for the vast majority of Gen Zers stuck in what probably feels like a very untenable place.
    Suzy Welch, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Barbie movie in was a gigantic smash in 2023; additional Mattel IP includes Hot Wheels, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, Polly Pocket and Barney.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Now it’s happened, and Penn State is paying a gigantic sum to go find a different coach.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Red Ghost was said to be a massive, red-haired camel with a skeletal rider strapped to its back.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Relying solely on Amazon’s admittedly massive reach would be both a lifeline and a painful concession.
    Mara Weinraub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Thomson has enjoyed immense success since taking over the Phillies, and will get another opportunity in 2026.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Crabbs, who played indoor volleyball at Long Beach State, were playing in their first international match together in nearly 10 years after experiencing immense success on the AVP Tour with separate partners over the past decade.
    Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Ayton has skill, a silky jumper, smooth footwork and a giant frame that can block off the paint on the other end.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Rescuing the city required the cooperation of the state of New York, the banks, the city workers unions, giant property owners and … the White House.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Steak 'n Shake recently began rolling out colossal American flags at its locations as numerous businesses embrace patriotic themes.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • His colossal fortune will instead go to charities.
    Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Tremendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tremendous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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