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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

That’s how Wagner found Daniel Paul, an architectural historian who researched and documented the 38-foot-tall cupola-style structure built in 1960 by Van Tassel, who ascribed it miraculous powers including antigravity, rejuvenation and time travel.

— Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of miraculous

Adjective

As noted previously, this is a marvelous time to enjoy the great outdoors.

— Ed Silverman, STAT, 14 Aug. 2026
Of course those are only two of the marvelous local crops on offer at both Breezy Willow and at our two local farmers’ markets — Tiber Park in the historic district and the Miller Library.

— Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of marvelous

Adjective

The space telescope hasn't just collected incredible data; its images have also given the general public a new appreciation for the beauty and wonder of space.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The playable character models and even roaming NPCs feature incredible outfit details.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of incredible

Adjective

The timing of the sale was a shock to much of the organization, though the decision to move on was less surprising.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Buttafuoco’s interview came out during the start of the Venice Film Festival, and the occasion led the art Biennale to find a surprising supporter in Sergei Loznitsa, perhaps the most famous Ukrainian filmmaker working today.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of surprising

Adjective

Fenix, at one point countered an avalanche Mexican destroyer attempt, stunning Penta and turning it around into a Mexican muscle buster.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Charles Kelley is revealing the stunning difference in his appearance after going sober.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of stunning

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stupefying

stupendous

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“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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