monstrous 1 of 2

1
2
3
4

monstrous

2 of 2

adverb

chiefly dialect

Synonym Chooser

How is the word monstrous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of monstrous are prodigious, stupendous, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," 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

In what contexts can prodigious take the place of monstrous?

In some situations, the words prodigious and monstrous are roughly equivalent. However, 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 stupendous be a reasonable alternative to monstrous?

Although the words stupendous and monstrous have much in common, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

When is it sensible to use tremendous instead of monstrous?

The words tremendous and monstrous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 monstrous
Adjective
Fresh off of an inspired second-half showing at Southern Utah behind quarterback Caden Pinnick to secure their first victory, the UC Davis Aggies now prepare for a monstrous challenge in Seattle. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Still a familiar figure today, Christopher was depicted for centuries as dog-headed or a monstrous giant—or both. The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Aug. 2025 The next time the band arrived in the US, between the monstrous success of their second album and the release of their grandiose third, transatlantic success felt there for the taking. Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025 Then again, the artifice of the film’s tone isn’t built for reflection, anyway, and its symbols aren’t found in any individual images but in the whole rollickingly monstrous shebang. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monstrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous
Adjective
  • The socio-economic mechanics of traditional insurance create a distorted landscape, one where disciplined, loss-conscious businesses subsidize the behavior of less responsible market players.
    Jason Phillips, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • This can create a distorted picture.
    Mykola Lukashuk, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gonzalez-Rasalas was charged with murder, desecrating a body and auto theft in a gruesome 2023 Easter Sunday homicide.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2025
  • At the time, and in the next nearly two years, the Kansas City region also experienced the gruesome abuse and neglect deaths of three children ages 4 to 6, including one boy who fell from a 17th floor apartment window in November 2023.
    Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In Let’s Play Ball, two rival teams of comedians go head-to-head in a race to transport a gigantic ball across various terrains.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Large downward revisions to monthly jobs data in recent weeks put a gigantic spotlight on an incredibly typical procedure for economic data.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This comes after Sunday's ugly loss to the Indianapolis Colts, a game that saw Hill catch just four passes for 40 yards.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That’s a hard reality to stomach for Giants fans, who had to watch their offense go 4-for-16 on third downs, pile up just 157 passing yards and finish with six points in an ugly loss to the Commanders.
    Zak Keefer, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Or consider the extremely rapid development of vaccines during the recent COVID pandemic.
    Alan Lightman September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk has risen in popularity over the years for his extremely polarizing takes, which resulted in a heavy split among reactions to his passing.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Right-wing politicians have long used horrific crime stories – particularly those featuring Black suspects and White victims – to make broader criticisms of Democrats as soft on crime.
    Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The surveillance footage of the horrific attack was released by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) over the weekend, FOX News reported.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Congress had enacted byzantine eligibility requirements for disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits, forcing the agency to expend huge amounts of time and money running those programs.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, there remains a huge barrier to entry for the San Jose Sharks sophomore.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hart was short, with a hideous combover.
    Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 30 Aug. 2025
  • That hideous incentive triggered My Lai and other similarly heinous attacks.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monstrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monstrous. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on monstrous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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