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

One nation’s discomfort in hosting another had been clear since the group-stage draw was made last December, and an enormous security operation was deemed necessary across Oslo. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025

Such a step is necessary given the vehicle’s design and enormous size — but it’s never been attempted before with any spacecraft. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025

The Emmy Award-winning actress and comedian was also known to wear an enormous emerald-cut aquamarine on her left ring finger, rumored to have been given by Arnaz. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025

In essence, Hollywood has learned the benefits of distribution partnerships versus going it alone with direct-to-consumer divisions that racked up enormous startup costs. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Oct. 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