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

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 This kind of longevity requires not just prodigious musical dexterity, and phenomenal luck, but stamina. —

Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 11 Dec. 2024 Jackson, whose prodigious feats as a Los Angeles Raiders running back and a Major League outfielder in the late 1980s and early ‘90s put him in the conversation as the best athlete, alleged that Thomas Lee Anderson and Erica M. Anderson harassed and tried to extort $20 million from him. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Three quarterbacks who will play this weekend in the AFC postseason are among the most prodigious rushers in NFL playoff history. —

Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2025 Playing a little less with Middleton to start the game will give Antetokounmpo and Lillard the space to continue to build upon making the Bucks a highly effective unit built around their prodigious talents rather than a slightly above-average unit being carried by their individual performances. —

Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prodigious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prodigious

Adjective

That isn’t to say there aren’t grand flourishes or sequences that require tremendous logistical complexity.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 6 Feb. 2025
The region has seen tremendous loss as thousands of people have been killed in the response to Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Feb. 2025