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
Malaparte's method is to charm his interlocutors into relaxing and casually exposing their monstrous selves. Thomas Meaney, New Yorker, 2 July 2025 The pink garment, designed like a nightgown, was adorned with a monstrous bow and a puffy hemline, reminiscent of a comforter tucked under a mattress. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 1 July 2025 As a whole, the league puts up monstrous numbers on first-pitch swings, and even the Royals have had success with them. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 28 June 2025 Congratulations to Bob-Waksberg and the rest of us, who all get the chance to root for the monstrous Valerie Cherish one last time. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for monstrous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monstrous
Adjective
  • These protective thoughts are normal, but unhelpful and may be a little distorted.
    Chamin Ajjan, CNBC, 12 July 2025
  • The distorted, slow-motion sound feels like sinking quicksand, and the ornamental qanun strings are perfect for Abu Dhabi plug talk.
    Peter A. Berry, Variety, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • But the gruesome truth remains — more than 120 are people are dead, including children.
    Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
  • Other all-original haunted houses will include Jason Universe, which takes guests back to the summer camp where, one Friday the 13th, the gruesome legend was born.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Israel doesn’t have any heavy bombers, stealthy or otherwise, capable of carrying such gigantic bombs.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025
  • George Shea, who still hosts the competition, helped turn the homespun event into a gigantic spectacle.
    Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Confirmation bias rears its ugly head, and the person convinces themselves that AI sentience is at hand.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Even with the other guys' admonitions not to, under any circumstances, be themselves, Dee and Charlie's improbable success in charming these scions of the Philly upper crust had the guys — and us — both baffled and anxiously awaiting an ugly twist.
    Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025
Adverb
  • Since its inception, one of the big selling points of the Chromatic has been its extremely durable sapphire display, and interestingly enough, this restock arrives with an additional, cheaper screen option: Gorilla Glass.
    Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • Moreover, the 33 year old state Assemblyman was carried to victory by an extremely diverse coalition, winning Asian voters (+15), Hispanic voters (+6), and White voters (+5) according to an analysis by the New York Times.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • California homeowner’s insurance premiums were already rising before the horrific Southern California wildfires in January.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 11 July 2025
  • But the first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood.
    Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Having an offensive mind as creative as Johnson will be a huge upgrade for Williams and the Bears.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • Justin Campell and Eddie Fallin from Lauren Concrete in Georgetown helped pull huge RVs thrown in the neighboring creek with a large yellow loader, and will be there as long as their company can spare them.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Luthor combats Superman through a combination of science and technology — injecting nanobot GPS trackers into Superman’s bloodstream — using methods that recall the hideous Covid manipulation.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025
  • The dark edge in Bushnell’s writing reflects less a brave new world than a world that is the hideous extension of the old one.
    Alice Bolin June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Monstrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monstrous. Accessed 18 Jul. 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!