enormous

adjective

enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs 

ē-

1

: marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree

especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions

2

a

: exceedingly wicked : shocking

an enormous sin

b

archaic : abnormal, inordinate

enormousness noun

Synonyms

• huge
• vast
• tremendous
• gigantic
• massive
• giant
• immense
• colossal
• mammoth
• astronomical
• monumental

Choose the Right Synonym for enormous

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth 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

huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

Examples of enormous in a Sentence

They live in an enormous house.

We chose not to undertake the project because of the enormous costs involved.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the implications for American patients, employers, and the healthcare system as a whole are enormous. —Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Two enormous doors slide open to reveal a dark, gaping space beyond them. —Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

And that is there is an enormous amount to be gained from markets. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 7 Aug. 2025

Just look at the enormous success of the energy drink industry: By 2026, it is projected to exceed $86 billion. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin enormis, from e, ex out of + norma rule

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Rhymes for enormous

• pyriformis

Kids Definition

enormous

adjective

enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs 

: extraordinarily great in size, number, or degree

enormously adverb

enormousness noun