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 Since SpaceX’s stupendous debut, the math governing a potential union has improved substantially. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 22 June 2026 But once that stupendous on-screen chemistry between co-stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen kicks back in, the old magic shines through, strong as ever, giving us a fitting end to this beloved comic saga. — ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026 The upshot is that with enough qubits, a quantum computer could handle the stupendous computational challenge of accurately simulating a hypothetical magnetic material. — Glenn Zorpette, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Apr. 2026 The best of what was the best of the Crillon has been thoughtfully preserved, while the best of what is new (the bar, the barbershop, L’Ecrin restaurant, and the stupendous suites by the late Karl Lagerfeld) is gobsmacking in its boldness and daring. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous

Adjective

The animals, the cool weather and the wonderful people of this region made for a memorable trip.

— Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Bat boxes are a wonderful addition to your yard for attracting bats and giving them a safe place to live.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The eighth-floor outdoor pool has amazing views, and the hotel sits in walking distance of shops and restaurants.

— Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 30 June 2026
The director, 68, and the action star, 78, worked together on 1996's Eraser, with both wanting to deliver an amazing action movie.

— Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Definition of amazing

Adjective

Their defensive commitment was astonishing, compact and aggressive in a 5-4-1 shape throughout, limiting the overwhelming tournament favourites to pot-shots for over an hour.

— Stuart James, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Laptop Deal The HP OmniBook 3 redefines long-haul productivity by delivering an astonishing 32 hours and 15 minutes of operating on a single charge.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026

Definition of astonishing

Adjective

In the 29th minute, Argentina sent a pass toward the net, and Messi beat the defense with an incredible first step.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Cape Verde came astonishingly close to taking defending champions Argentina all the way to penalties, eventually falling to a 3-2 extra-time defeat despite an incredible goal from full-back Sidny Lopes Cabral.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of incredible

Adjective

See what Muir himself loved about this region by trekking part or all of the stunning Bishop Pass Trail (about 11 miles out and back) or the Little Lakes Valley Trail.

— Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
However, visitors are also encouraged to simply drop by without a reservation to enjoy a glass of wine and experience the stunning architecture, gardens, and To Kalon Vineyard.

— Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of stunning

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“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stupendous

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