monumental
Americanadjective
-
like a monument, esp in large size, endurance, or importance
a monumental work of art
-
of, relating to, or being a monument
-
informal (intensifier)
monumental stupidity
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of monumental
From the Late Latin word monumentālis, dating back to 1595–1605. See monument, -al 1
Explanation
Whether it's a monumental effort requiring vast amounts of strength or a monumental cruise ship with eleven floors and five sets of elevators, the word monumental describes something imposing or massive in size. Monumental can also refer to something that's of outstanding importance or significance. A monumental decision for you would be one that changes your life — like the day you got engaged or when you decided to move to New York to be an actor. The word monumental can also be used if you're talking about a monument, a statue or structure commemorating a person or event. You might admire the monumental stonework on the statue in the town square.
Vocabulary lists containing monumental
The Maze Runner
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Stargirl
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Living Large: Synonyms for "Big"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Houdon’s marbles of Jefferson and Washington have had monumental afterlives, impacting depictions of presidents from the Lincoln Memorial to Mount Rushmore.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026
Rudin was not present at Sunday's ceremony, and the production's trophy for best play revival was accepted by actor Nathan Lane, who paid tribute to "the genius of Arthur Miller, who created this monumental masterpiece".
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
This struck him as a monumental misuse of resources.
From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026
Buried under the capital’s broad avenues, however, are a series of public spaces eschewing classical ornament yet achieving something rarer—a monumental and timeless civic dignity.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
But in the fifteenth century, small distances are monumental.
From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
