Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, 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 tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Examples 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 stupendous Precisely due to Amazon’s stupendous growth borne of a remarkable business that much of the world can’t live without, the purchase of Washington, D.C.’s most important newspaper signaled a degree of protection from the antitrust ankle-biters in Washington. John Tamny, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Moon of the Wolf (1972) This stupendous Movie of the Week concerns a small-town Louisiana sheriff (David Janssen) who becomes increasingly convinced that the man behind a spate of horrific murders is, in fact, a werewolf. EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024 After that came Carr’s stupendous biography Fire in the Belly in 2012, a retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2018, and a steady stream of scholarly projects. Jackson Davidow, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2019 Reese had a stupendous rookie season this year as a part of the Chicago Sky. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stupendous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • The property’s prime location is also close to the launch sites of the area’s famed hot air balloon rides, which are a wonderful way to take in the spectacular views of the otherworldly land formations.
    Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • At 6-2, 202 pounds, Will Johnson has excellent size and length for a cornerback and would be a wonderful complement to Gardner.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The ones that look amazing until the light hits just right, and suddenly they’re see-through.
    Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 16 Jan. 2025
  • So pack your bags and get ready to stay in some of the most amazing cave hotels in the United States and around the world.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Having the Internet all the time was astonishing and felt like the future.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025
  • The Spurs rookie is averaging 1.0 steals and an astonishing 3.9 blocks per game this season.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • One mom dog who survived being shot four times shortly after giving birth to 11 puppies is making a miraculous recovery thanks to the kindness of generous donors.
    Gil Macias, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
  • To get in touch with the miraculous Francis, the folkloric Francis, read the Fioretti, or The Little Flowers of St. Francis, a 14th-century collection of tales about the saint and his friars.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Experts, including Mike Fried, CEO of The Diamond Pro, previously noted to the outlet that the ring has incredible value.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • If these dangers can be managed, the potential of quantum computing to accelerate human progress and build a better future could be incredible.
    Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The cast included, famously, the marvelous Meryl Streep.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Watch the video above to see the marvelous moment a kind cop comes to the rescue of Captain America.
    Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s a surprising and sudden change, because we’ve been told for years that Meta is on a mission to protect users from misinformation and hate speech.
    John Brandon, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Miku's addition to Fortnite isn't surprising given that season 6 of the battle royale is celebrating Japanese culture and history.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For fall 2024, however, Anderson festooned the bag with stunning tapestry weave-esque beadwork featuring jungly flora and fauna and one particularly adorable bag depicting a Brussels griffon pup.
    Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Chalamet’s appearance at the Golden Globes is only the latest in a splashy press tour for A Complete Unknown, which has received generally positive reactions from critics commending his stunning portrayal of the rock icon.
    Luke Chinman, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stupendous

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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