stupendous
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stjuːpˈɛndəs/
US
- /stuˈpɛndəs/
Description
- amazing
- astonishing
- huge
- magnificent
- outstanding
If something is stupendous, it is amazingly impressive, extremely large, or far better than expected. Think of a view from a mountaintop, a huge building, or a performance so good that people cannot stop talking about it. The word is used for things that create surprise, admiration, or a feeling of awe.
You might describe a concert, a major achievement, or a beautiful natural scene as stupendous. It is stronger than simply saying "great" or "wonderful." It suggests something grand, striking, and hard to forget.
The word stupendous describes something extraordinarily impressive, astonishingly large, or remarkably excellent. It goes beyond simple praise and carries a feeling of awe and wonder. While many words describe positive qualities, stupendous suggests a level of size, beauty, or success that feels exceptional.
Originally meaning "astonishing" or "causing amazement," the word still carries that force today. You might use it to describe a natural scene like "the stupendous beauty of the Grand Canyon," or an artistic achievement like "a stupendous performance by the orchestra." It is often used for things that are large in scale, but it can also describe anything so impressive that it stands far above the ordinary.
Unlike words like "good" or "fine," stupendous isn't something you'd use casually. It's reserved for moments and experiences that truly stand out as extraordinary. You wouldn't describe your morning coffee as stupendous, but you might describe the first time seeing the Northern Lights as a stupendous spectacle.
So, if you encounter something so magnificent it takes your breath away, don't just say it's good—call it stupendous! It captures that feeling of being utterly amazed and overwhelmed by its brilliance.
Examples
- 1
Arts performance
The orchestra gave a stupendous performance on opening night.
- 2
Scenic view
From the balcony, we had a stupendous view of the harbor.
- 3
Large amount
She did a stupendous amount of work in just two weeks.
Pattern
stupendous amount of + noun
an extremely large amount of something
- 4
Business growth
For a small local company, last year's growth was stupendous.
- 5
Serious mistake
Forgetting to save the file was a stupendous mistake.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- stupendousadjective