monumental

adjective

mon·​u·​men·​tal ˌmän-yə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

1

: serving as or resembling a monument : massive

monumental sculptures

also : highly significant : outstanding

a monumental painting that stunned the American public

2

: of or relating to a monument

modern monumental architecture

3

: very great

a monumental misunderstanding

monumentality

ˌmän-yə-mən-ˈta-lə-tē 

-ˌmen-

noun

monumentally

ˌmän-yə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

Synonyms of monumental

• magnificent
• epic
• glorious
• imposing
• massive
• majestic
• grand
• proud
• colossal

Examples of monumental in a Sentence

It's more than a mistake; it's a case of monumental stupidity.

the monumental complexity of the issue

Repairing the damage will be a monumental task.

The class was about modern monumental architecture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Charlotte Gainsbourg stepped onto the runway to sing, adding an intimate finish to the monumental setting. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Among the show’s most consequential juxtapositions are the two monumental works that bookend the ground floor, Prince’s Folk Songs (Blasting Mats), 2006, and Jafa’s Big Wheel II, 2018. — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

This a show about the 1920s that behaves like a sensational stage spectacle from the 1920s, with a cast of dozens and special effects that make everything and everyone look monumental and magnificent. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Oct. 2026

It is marked by intense struggles, monumental victories and devastating losses. — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1596, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for monumental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• nonjudgmental

Kids Definition

monumental

adjective

mon·​u·​men·​tal ˌmän-yə-ˈment-ᵊl 

1

: of or relating to a monument

2

: serving as or resembling a monument : massive

also : highly significant : outstanding

3

: very great

monumental stupidity

monumentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb