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 There is also a prodigious concentration of talent here. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026 Sophomore shortstop Michaela Landers has been the catalyst, with one of the most prodigious seasons the state has ever seen. Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 2 Apr. 2026 The prodigious bass player has felt omnipresent for years. Kyle Eustice, SPIN, 1 Apr. 2026 These qualities, paired with his prodigious skill on the field, are why the Red Sox felt comfortable making a long-term commitment less than two months after his debut. Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prodigious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To see Ben’s growth, to see Jon, his rapid ascent, and to see the team’s success, to see DA — there’s a tremendous sense of pride watching your buddies do such great things professionally.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This is a tremendous fit and very good value.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Head there for a quieter gape at the astonishing mortar-free construction.
    Helen Brown, TheWeek, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Overall, this is astonishing work.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests went diving under tables as the scene unfolded and some reported hearing shots outside the vast subterranean ballroom in the Washington Hilton where the event was being held.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The couple flew south from Tijuana on Thursday morning and spent two days touring the vast city.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To get a sentence like that in a communist, radically left-wing city of liberal lunatics is truly amazing.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The best was this amazing movie with Isabelle Huppert and Gerard Depardieu.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Construction in the Arizona desert damaged an enormous Indigenous ground etching resembling a fish that is thought to be at least 1,000 years old.
    Jake Spring, Washington Post, 1 May 2026
  • Starting in January, the monthly premiums for the health plan used by many teachers rose from zero to $1,400 a month paid over 10 months each year — an enormous reduction in take-home pay.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In my own haze of 'round-the-clock feeds and first-time-parent anxiety, my mom seemed something of a miraculous blur.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Atlanta Hawks guard had just led a miraculous comeback in Game 2 of a first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • However — and this is significant — Buffett faced some years with huge losses.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But land developers and speculators reap huge profits, the state and local governments gleefully do their bidding.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prodigious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prodigious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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