Definition of enormousnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Example 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 Whether that’s true or just an idealization is beside the point; such stories serve as an enormous source of pride and identity. IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 Old Navy has a powerful connection with customers and enormous opportunity ahead. David Moin, Footwear News, 6 May 2026 The enormous Virtuoso® Pinkerific™ Dahlia is the main flower for this bouquet, with dozens of fluffy pink petals and a soft yellow center. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2026 Iran’s effective closure of the strait has sent fuel prices skyrocketing, rattled the global economy and put enormous economic pressure on countries, including major powers such as China. Josh Boak, Fortune, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The huge blaze was finally extinguished Thursday, the local governor said, though another drone attack hit the town’s sea terminal Friday, sparking a fire.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • Even with fatigue and that huge European tie looming, Forest could get something.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Across the rest of the world , the vast majority of global stock markets were closed Friday for the Labor Day holiday.
    Michael Considine, CNBC, 2 May 2026
  • While that may seem like a vast expanse when starting with tiny seedlings, know that these productive plants will spread several feet by the end of the season.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, there have been tremendous advancements in the types of pediatric care available.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • Buffett said Abel has done a tremendous job so far, and Cook helped Berkshire's initial $35 billion investment in Apple grow to be worth $185 billion today.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The painting’s gigantic walnut frame resembled a window set into a niche.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • For the centerpiece installation in the Great Hall, Vogue and the event-design team of Raúl Àvila and Derek McLane created a gigantic full moon (about 26 feet in diameter).
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • So there was a huge leap between [Seasons] 2 and 1, and an even bigger leap between 3 and 2, and then a massive leap between 4 and 3, and there will be another leap between 5 and 4.
    K.J. Yossman, Variety, 7 May 2026
  • Not everyone, however, is accepting this massive redistribution of wealth and power without a fight.
    Alice Xiang, Time, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is an area where Ferrari is looking to use Hypersail as a giant research and development project.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • This was the groundbreaking ceremony for The District at Ten Mile, the giant commercial center that will soon rise over 220 acres of land northwest of the Ten Mile Interchange.
    Rose Evans Updated May 6, Idaho Statesman, 6 May 2026
Adjective
  • In 2019, Joe Biden vowed never to raise taxes on people earning less than $400,000 a year—a colossal sum, even in Greenwich, Connecticut, or Cupertino, California.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Amid colossal spending on AI, many of these new startups are raising hundreds of millions within months of being founded.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The main house measured 5,086 square feet, with four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and immense windows and skylights throughout.
    Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 2 May 2026
  • Yaroslavsky, 45, was named the council’s budget committee chair at the beginning of last year, a job that carries immense influence over city spending and that requires her to balance lofty political expectations with fiscal reality.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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