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 The Facebook and Instagram company has already been ramping up spending to build the enormous computing infrastructure needed to support its AI ambitions. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 July 2026 This constant tidal flexing generates enormous amounts of internal heat, fueling hundreds of active volcanoes and making Io the most volcanically active object in the solar system. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026 Crowdfunding campaigns on social media brought in enormous sums from around the world, and much of it went toward the purchase of drones on the open market. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 As part of a pact earlier this year, Warner board members agreed to cover Zaslav’s expected $335 million in tax obligations tied to his enormous payout, according to regulatory filings. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The designation is a first for Georgia and a huge win for dedicated conservationists, scientists, government officials, nonprofits and swamp neighbors who have spent more than four decades advocating for our wetland wonder.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Jericho hit Ciampa with the hockey stick and kissed the Youppi the plush toy to a huge pop.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • If the referendum passes, Miami will join the vast majority of Miami-Dade cities that hold elections in even years.
    Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The Jayhawks used a search firm to find candidates, and Goff noted that the pool of candidates was vast, including a lot of people from professional sports franchises.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Third, college players have tremendous value in the marketplace, as evidenced by rising player salaries.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The General Electric breakup has created tremendous shareholder value, but GEHC is the laggard of the three entities.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Jean overpowers their restraints and creates a gigantic psychic bubble that freezes in place nearly everyone in New York City.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The daughter of the Laestrygonians, whose scream summons the gigantic knights, is horrified to see men from the sea.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Now add the fun of a massive road project that is essentially adjacent to the facility, and attending Longhorns football games this season — and the next several — will mean packing in more time.
    Mac Engel July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • According to Karim Gharbi, Extension Agent for Horticulture with CSU Extension in Denver County, the beetles' strength comes from overwhelming trees in massive numbers.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Balloons float above an exploding castle, a giant peeks from behind the bushes and wizards throw flames in the foreground.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026
  • An interesting implication of the spillover effect is that the end customers of consumer electronics devices are now effectively competing against giant data centers.
    Srikanth Jagabathula, Fortune, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • When Larry Culp became the CEO of GE in 2018, the colossal conglomerate that Jack Welch built into the most valuable and admired enterprise in America teetered on the brink of collapse.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Microdramas skew younger Holywater compiled the State of Microdrama Report with consulting firm Owl & Co, which pegged the global vertical video economy excluding China at a colossal $150B in 2026, up 41%.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • The two have seen each other go through immense highs and lows.
    Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • Every year, around four million visitors converge on the five tiny fishing villages, placing immense pressure on their narrow streets, hiking trails, and centuries-old buildings.
    Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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