MONSTROUS Synonyms: 406 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

monstrous 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmän(t)-strəs

Definition of monstrous next

as in distorted

badly or imperfectly formed a monstrous melon that was clearly not fit to eat

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as in gruesome

extremely disturbing or repellent the monstrous measures taken by the dictator against anyone who opposed his regime

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as in gigantic

unusually large a monstrous tomato as big as a basketball

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as in ugly

unpleasant to look at some monstrous high-rises have begun to spoil that lovely residential neighborhood

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monstrous

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adverb

chiefly dialect

as in extremely

to a great degree a monstrous pretty gal, she was

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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

This is surprising given that Sgr A* has a mass of around 4.3 million times that of the sun, but M87* is much more monstrous, with a mass equivalent to around 6.5 billion suns. —

Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025 While many Batman fans will point to Carmine Falcone as a key villain, another is responsible for creating some truly monstrous figures in Batman's life. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 SpaceX's monstrous, 400-foot-tall (122 meters) Starship rocket launched Tuesday evening (Nov. 19), lifting off from SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas at 5 p.m. EST (2200 GMT). —

Mike Wall, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025 All told, this is not shaping up to be the monstrous class that was projected in some corners. —

Sam Vecenie, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for monstrous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous

Adjective

Her sound has exploded into a kind of psychedelic opera, first spawning from emo rap, then eventually evolving into distorted electropop.

— The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2025
The house itself is an architectural anomaly, the distorted vision of a distorted mind.

— Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025