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 Nearby desert viewpoints could provide enormous horizons — although the eclipsed sun will be 79 degrees high. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Oct. 2026 But these operations have required enormous naval resources, and the United States cannot sustain them forever. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026 By that definition, Netflix has to invest enormous resources in programs, films and events that matter to subscribers. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 The British Film Institute chair has continued to deftly straddle two enormous jobs in European film and TV. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The account has more than 13 million followers, giving whoever controlled it access to a huge audience and the credibility that comes with Microsoft’s name.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For a family living in poverty, having a home can make a huge difference in the fight for survival.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Deep-sea mining companies are targeting this vast reserves of metal-rich nodules to power the electric vehicle market.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • China has stepped up cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to crack down on a vast industry that has flourished in the region in recent years to fleece people out of billions of dollars.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • What is already clear is the tremendous talent across our organization and our shared mission to deepen and extend our fans’ emotional connection to our iconic brands and franchises through high-quality products and stories.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The museum brought a tremendous wow factor that cities around the world were soon clamoring to imitate.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Board leverages the visual engagement potential of a gigantic iPad with the appealing tactility of board games.
    — Kevin Cortez, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • M'Baku is the leader of the Jabari tribe, a Wakandan community that worships a gigantic white gorilla deity.
    — Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Throw in a third massive object, though, and the math gets ridiculously more complicated and difficult to solve.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Wearing impractical stilettos and clutching a massive Stanley cup, Trina is introduced to her new pupils.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The most direct tribute to Tippett came in the battle against two giant droids guarding an overlord’s chamber.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The giant company now called Skydance Media made some commitments to the indie film space in a settlement with a group of Attorneys General who had sued to block the merger.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The situation is particularly dire given the film’s colossal budget, which totaled around $180 million.
    — Lou Gomis, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Vikings avoided a colossal mistake in the fourth quarter when Justin Jefferson's throwback near midfield was nearly swiped by the Saints.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Katz has been able to witness first-hand Dungeon Crawler Carl‘s immense popularity.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
  • These occur when an unfortunate star's orbit brings it too close to the immense gravitational influence of a supermassive black hole.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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