STUPENDOUS Synonyms: 98 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stupendous

adjective

stu̇-ˈpen-dəs

Definition of stupendous

as in wonderful

causing wonder or astonishment the stupendous engineering feats achieved by the ancient Romans

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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 The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous

Adjective

An itinerary of hikes, wine tastings, and a sunset cruise offering incredible views of the Santa Barbara coastline is a wonderful way to end the day, while a cozy house with a garden will add to everyone’s enjoyment.

— Vogue, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026
The improbable evening turned into a moving tribute to both Capra himself and his tale of the suicidal banker George Bailey, who comes to realize that his life has indeed been wonderful.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

In August, Lachlan Murdoch revealed that Fox News Media had added more than 400 new advertisers in its last fiscal year, an astonishing number of brands that were new to its news platforms.

— Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
The fact that there is someone out there who could actually get all the real unsuspecting morons who participated in this movie to sign off on it afterwards is simply astonishing considering what they are asked to do in it.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of astonishing

Adjective

This entry is almost too broad, but no trip to Jackson is complete without a trip through this miraculous wonder—whether on foot, wheels, or water.

— Lindsay Cohn, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Many participate in the miraculous art of flying and maintaining enormous airplanes, or picking up cargo to take across our greater multi-county region of millions.

— Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of miraculous

Adjective

Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.

— Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
But despite this, they were still conceived of as being located within the mounds themselves, real-world anchors for these strange, marvelous realms.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of marvelous

Adjective

Achieving incredible data transmission speed The researcher fabricated the device using a 300-millimeter silicon-on-insulator manufacturing process.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
This year’s incredible class of awardees includes Jason Bolden, Kellon Deryck, Molly Greenwald, Chris Horan, Amy Komorowski, Thuy Nguyen, Law Roach, and Trish Summerville.

— InStyle, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of incredible

Adjective

In a stunning political comeback, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been elected president of Brazil, according to official results from Sunday's runoff election, with more than 96% of the votes counted.

— Catherine Osborn, NPR, 26 Oct. 2026
My room was the 400-square-foot Studio Suite—one of the most in-demand categories because of the stunning sightlines on three sides.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of stunning

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“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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