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Synonym Chooser

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

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

When is monstrous a more appropriate choice than prodigious?

The meanings of monstrous and prodigious largely overlap; however, 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 would stupendous be a good substitute for prodigious?

The words stupendous and prodigious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

When might tremendous be a better fit than prodigious?

While the synonyms tremendous and prodigious are close in meaning, 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 prodigious Considering his prodigious size (6-4, 313), Harmon likely locked himself in as a first-rounder by running a 4.95 40-yard dash with a 1.74 10-yard split in Indy. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 Besides that prodigious scientific output, Hawking was a prolific science communicator. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025 However, the prodigious amounts of snow and ice that are common in the area in winter can make even notionally accessible places far less so during several months of the year. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2025 Boldy’s talent on the ice was more prodigious than his skill with a mic, and in those early years outside of his hometown of Millis, Mass., coaches like McInnis shaped his path to the NHL. Joe Smith, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prodigious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious
Adjective
  • Head coach Geno Auriemma earned his 12th NCAA women's basketball championship Sunday, after an 82-58 rout over No. 1 seed South Carolina, a tremendous feat for his legendary career – the most of any men's or women's program in NCAA history.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Most teams have a tremendous amount at stake in the final week of the season.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Embracing different cultures: There is plenty of wonderful Mexican culture depicted throughout the film, from cooking traditional dishes to the vibrant atmosphere.
    Alex Vance, Parents, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cherish these moments and know that your efforts to preserve their voices are a wonderful tribute to your relationships.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Even with Hollywood’s diminished state in China, the film business is one sector where the U.S. maintains a sizable trade surplus with its geopolitical rival, as Chinese films, despite their enormous earnings in the home market, have made little headway with mainstream North American moviegoers.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The enormous brown shape offered a perfect broadside target.
    Jeffrey A. Brunk, Outdoor Life, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Musk is an astonishing $147 billion richer this year.
    Roy Canivel, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Transformative technologies often take time to mature, but when the right conditions align, adoption can accelerate at an astonishing pace.
    Steve Case, Time, 1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • None of the country’s three top circuits have issued any warnings, and one top exhibitor says the vast majority of its showings have been without a major incident.
    Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Just imagine the potpourri of amazing facial expressions that would have been on display had Sai been sitting on the jury.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • To me, every place has magic—there amazing secrets in its visuals and people.
    Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • There has been tremendous Democratic energy and anger in recent weeks, with progressives disrupting Republican lawmakers’ town hall meetings and holding huge rallies.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025
  • So basically, to make a very huge decision like that, which either way would've had consequences within the show, in 10 minutes and get everybody together and have that discussion logistically was a nightmare and borderline impossible.
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That the 29-year-old was present, let alone capable of leading the celebrations, was nothing short of miraculous.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
  • These days, the Hall of Famer is forging a new, post-football path. ➤ Barry Sanders: Lions turnaround has been 'miraculous': Speaking of 1990s pro football icons, Sanders' electrifying runs filled highlight reels.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prodigious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prodigious. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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