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 elephant in the room remains SpaceX’s enormous multitrillion-dollar valuation. Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 18 June 2026 Our state and the Roman Catholic Church are both known for large populations, for great beauty, for enormous wealth and for the highest of ideals. Joe Mathews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026 Workers used a swimming pool-type vacuum cleaner to suck up algae from the bottom, leaving behind clean patches of American Flag Blue paint adjacent to enormous swaths of green algae in a pattern familiar to anyone who has ever vacuumed a carpet before. Katie Vogel, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 That is the basis upon which the country’s enormous scientific achievements—progress in lifesaving treatments, a university system that is the envy of the world, and a vibrant technology-and-biotech sector—have been built. Mark Histed, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • That would deal a huge blow to a state that relies on its top 1% of earners for nearly half its personal income tax revenue.
    Sophie Austin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • So my whole upbringing was hiding and carrying this huge weight and secret.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The vast majority seem to be about industry titan StubHub, but people who bought through competitors such as SeatGeek and Vivid Seats have also reported issues.
    R.J. Rico, Fortune, 20 June 2026
  • The vast indoor mall had a six-decade run as a top retail destination and gathering place for the Southwest Side’s West Lawn community, but a growing number of empty stores and unsafe conditions led city officials to file a lawsuit and force its closure.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • The State of Colorado is mourning this tremendous loss alongside everyone who was impacted by Lynn.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Late night parties followed and alcohol flowed, and my memory is of talent of all ages lovingly looking up at the master with tremendous gratitude.
    Warren Littlefield, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Miami knows a variety of sports on a gigantic scale more than most big cities.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • And two, the logo is ugly and gigantic.
    Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a contract to a company that makes a drone with massive nets to ensnare other drones.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • This $200,000 bad check appears to be just the tip of a massive financial iceberg.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The University of Kansas marching band played the Algerian national anthem and Lawrence artist Stan Herd created a giant flag of the North African nation, made out of organic materials, to display on the school grounds.
    Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • Texas restaurants are a big winner from the FIFA World Cup, as visitors fill social media with dozens of photos of giant barbecue platters, tall frozen margaritas and anything from Buc-ees.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • These are players who have worked hard and earned their place here, some of whom will only play at one World Cup, and they have been put at a colossal disadvantage.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Our ambition was to bring back the magic of Old Paris and the colossal transformation led by Napoleon III and Haussmann, with premium production values in both cinematography and visual effects.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The newer centers built to power AI are far larger than their original counterparts and require immense amounts of water and energy.
    Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • In addition to the immense cost of buying out a utility’s assets — which likely amount to tens of billions of dollars across Connecticut — critics say that forcing a utility company to sell is all but certain to prompt legal challenges.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 20 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on enormous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster