PRODIGIOUS Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prodigious

adjective

prə-ˈdi-jəs

Definition of prodigious next

as in marvellous

causing wonder or astonishment stage magicians performing prodigious feats for rapt audiences

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tremendous

unusually large a prodigious supply of canned food kept in the basement for emergencies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 This may partially explain why for all of his prodigious capacities as an actor, Brody has not been particularly good at being famous. —

E. Alex Jung, Vulture, 23 Dec. 2024 In this, he was supported by a group of Chinese thinkers led by Xiao and a prodigious Shanghai academic named Wang Huning. —

Chang Che, The New Yorker, 21 Dec. 2024 My father-in-law, a Harvard professor, of pure Irish extraction, had a prodigious memory and was heir to the Celtic oral tradition. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 20 Dec. 2024 Like Hughes and every other 20-something, male wannabe in Nashville, Sadler had a prodigious mullet. —

Keith Sharon, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prodigious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious

Adjective

By Angela Haupt January 13, 2025 3:19 PM EST Watching your home, belongings, and neighborhood disappear to a tremendous wildfire is physically and emotionally unimaginable.

— Angela Haupt, TIME, 13 Jan. 2025
Members of Arkansas' congressional delegation are wielding tremendous influence at the start of this new Congress.

— Alex Thomas, arkansasonline.com, 12 Jan. 2025