ENORMOUS Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'enormous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of enormous are colossal , gigantic , huge , immense , mammoth , and vast . While all these words mean "exceedingly large," enormous and immense both suggest an exceeding of all ordinary bounds in size or amount or degree, but enormous often adds an implication of abnormality or monstrousness. // an enormous expense // an immense shopping mall

Q: When would 'colossal' be a good substitute for 'enormous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to enormous , colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions. // a colossal statue of Lincoln

Q: Where would 'gigantic' be a reasonable alternative to 'enormous'?

The synonyms gigantic and enormous are sometimes interchangeable, but gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind. // a gigantic sports stadium

Q: When could 'huge' be used to replace 'enormous'?

While the synonyms huge and enormous are close in meaning, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount. // incurred a huge debt

Q: When might 'mammoth' be a better fit than 'enormous'?

Although the words mammoth and enormous have much in common, mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk. // a mammoth boulder

Q: When can 'vast' be used instead of 'enormous'?

In some situations, the words vast and enormous are roughly equivalent. However, vast usually suggests immensity of extent. // the vast Russian steppes

enormous

adjective

i-ˈnȯr-məs

Definition of enormous next

as in huge

unusually large that pumpkin is so enormous that it has to be a record holder

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word enormous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of enormous are colossal, gigantic, huge, immense, mammoth, and vast. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," enormous and immense both suggest an exceeding of all ordinary bounds in size or amount or degree, but enormous often adds an implication of abnormality or monstrousness.

an enormous expense

an immense shopping mall

When would colossal be a good substitute for enormous?

While in some cases nearly identical to enormous, colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

Where would gigantic be a reasonable alternative to enormous?

The synonyms gigantic and enormous are sometimes interchangeable, but gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When could huge be used to replace enormous?

While the synonyms huge and enormous are close in meaning, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

When might mammoth be a better fit than enormous?

Although the words mammoth and enormous have much in common, mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When can vast be used instead of enormous?

In some situations, the words vast and enormous are roughly equivalent. However, vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

Examples 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 enormous The professional divorce between Waters and BMG, terms of which are still being settled, has enormous financial implications for both the music publisher and the artist. —

Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024 Already an enormous box-office success, Moana 2 unfortunately confirms the social impact of Disney’s faux anthropology. —

Armond White, National Review, 4 Dec. 2024 Who knows what’s actually happening inside Sheridan’s enormous ham-with-a-cowboy-hat-on head, but season five’s back half is highly suggestive of some deep inner personal truth bursting through the fictional substrate. —

Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2024 But a small coalition of budget hawks, which last year ousted former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) over federal spending, will wield enormous power given a slim majority in the House. —

Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enormous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous

Adjective

The Eagles came out victorious in front of a raucous Philly crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in a cross-state battle against the Pittsburgh Steelers that could have huge ramifications in the battle for home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Sam Joseph and, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024
This, unsurprisingly, has led to a huge online backlash, with many people furiously making memes and posting about this turn of events.

Callum Booth, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024