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DictionarymonstrousEnormous size or power
adjective

monstrous

Extremely large or powerful.

The monstrous creature towers over the small stone building.

A gigantic looming creature dwarfs a small stone tower, conveying shocking size, no gore.
Etymology
monstrousLatinmonstrous

A monster suggests something exceeding ordinary proportions or strength. The adjective extends that image to extraordinary size or power without requiring an unnatural appearance.

In context

Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art36:21
one critic called the exhibition a monstrous mass of matter confused and heterogeneous
Georgian Provocations II: A Black King in Georgian London: British Art and Postrevolutionary Haiti

More examples

  • A monstrous wave struck the pier.
  • They faced a monstrous repair bill.
  • The machine produced a monstrous roar.

Forms

monstrous

Similar words

enormous
Focuses on size without the disturbing suggestion.
colossal
Suggests exceptionally impressive scale.