Definition of stupendousnext

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

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 stupendous In the box score, Robinson’s day was stupendous with 195 yards on 22 carries as well as five catches for 34 yards and his two touchdowns. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025 Steier’s clear writing and stupendous graphics from Sara Chodosh and Taylor Maggiacomo illuminate how vaccine critics and Kennedy allies David and Mark Geier have relied on a web of shoddy science — and gives readers tools for how to not fall for the anti-vaccine playbook. Stat Staff, STAT, 29 Dec. 2025 Ever since Derry Girls wrapped in 2022, all eyes have been trained on where next for the stupendous comic talent of Lisa McGee. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Dec. 2025 Designed to survey a large portion of the entire sky over and over, more deeply and in a speedier fashion than ever before, its science goals are stupendous. Big Think, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
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 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Tukker’s performance, meanwhile, capped a marvelous four-game week.
    Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Uxua means ‘marvelous’ in the Pataxó language.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Spurs led by as much as 20 in the fourth quarter, which is an incredible turnaround.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • No, that stuff is all incredible and very much the result of good fortune in my career.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, today Uranus enters a part of your chart to stay for six years, encouraging impulsive vacations, surprising romance and unexpected children.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • For one of them to celebrate a career-first win Sunday wouldn’t be all that surprising.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The best examples are his stunning goals against Atletico Madrid and Brighton & Hove Albion.
    Dan Kilpatrick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Traditional-style longboats cruise the rivers while skyscrapers with rooftop bars offer stunning views of the temples at night.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stupendous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster