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 This fusion, now displaced from the core, emits an enormous amount of radiation. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2025 While not an enormous difference, those extra minutes sometimes count in the morning rush. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025 The hearts of internet viewers have melted watching a baby girl playing with her best friend—an enormous dog. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Still pretty green, Entin soon had enormous shoes to fill, taking over for the late, great Carmel Cafiero who retired in 2016. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • Seat comfort is a huge selling-point for some drivers.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2025
  • Boreal forests in North America and Siberia capture and hold huge amounts of carbon.
    Andrew Montequin, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The album is vast, a world unto itself, and taking all-comers; something that could hardly be said of its root genre, which could be insular in the extreme.
    Chris R. Morgan, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2025
  • With the start of the regular season vast approaching, one player didn't hold back on his thoughts regarding their dealings in recent months.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The day will be a tremendous prelude to the Ryder Cup, which will be played in September at Bethpage Black, just over 200 miles northeast of Caves Valley Golf Club.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If confirmed, this finding would mean the gigantic blue-green ice planet would have 29 moons.
    Jorge Garay, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025
  • His gigantic pants, shin pads and elbow pads are all bespoke, too.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The cameras alert drivers of all surrounding objects and vehicles, so parking the massive SUV is a breeze.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Prior to McEntire taking the stage, as a massive red countdown clock ticked back toward showtime, a DJ played a medley of country and pop hits, turning the volume down during key phrases to let the crowd take over singing duties.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The pre-match tifo at the Roker End depicted the County Durham legend of the giant Lambton worm, slayed by a gallant local hero.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • With a giant open-air amphitheater, a covered pavilion that hosts the local farmers market, and plenty of open green spaces to relax, Trailblazer Park is an excellent way to enjoy the town from a local’s perspective.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Plus, the Dutchman has immense upside compared to anyone around his price point.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
  • That’s as Trump and the White House have put immense pressure on the Fed to ease while a more dovish governor was named to the board of governors.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Grab your telescope and aim it at Saturn in the early morning hours of Aug. 19 to see Titan's colossal shadow sweep across the majestic gas giant's cloud tops.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The film is a colossal hit, so surely that must be working out great for Sony, right?
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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