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 Unlike traditional processors, Cerebras' chip packs enormous computing power and bandwidth onto a single piece of silicon. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The name of the restaurant refers to the enormous river/estuary bordering Argentina. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 Russia’s deep industrial reserves and Ukraine’s impressive adaptation have shown that complex energy systems can withstand enormous damage. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 For years, Western companies complained that access to China’s enormous market came with demands for technology transfers. — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The Bruins took a huge hit with their top six players all getting drafted by WNBA teams.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • With its available sun-deflecting bright-white fabric and huge garage door-like entryway, the tent makes for a natural day shelter for events out in the sun, rain and wind.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • But the vast bulk of that paper deficit arose from changes in fair value of convertible notes.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Released to critical acclaim in 2022, the role-playing game from Japanese publisher Bandai Namco is set in a dark fantasy world and allows players to head off on adventures within vast environments and dungeons.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Eventually the inevitability of gravity brings them close enough to suddenly merge, sending out a tremendous blast of matter and energy that can outshine the sun by a factor of many billions, though just for the briefest fraction of a second.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
  • His reasoning is that quantum carries both tremendous risk and opportunity.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That's when the Brewers' incredible penchant for outperforming on batting average on balls in play reared its gigantic head yet again.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • His trust in his lead deckhand would have created an atmosphere of collaboration within the team were Matt’s ego not so gigantic.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The massive fire that broke out last November engulfed seven buildings in an apartment complex in a northern suburban district, killing 168 people and displacing thousands of others.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • R136a1 is just such a star, the most massive star known, at several hundred times the sun’s bulk.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • One way to understand nuclear reactors is to think of them as giant kettles.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Lakers scoring phenom Luka Doncic missed his first game of the young season with back tightness, leaving a giant hole in their offense with the NBA’s leading scorer (36 points per game) sitting out.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The most successful animal artist of all time is surely Edwin Landseer (1802-1873), perhaps most recognizable for the four colossal sculptures of lions guarding the base of Nelson’s Column, in London’s Trafalgar Square.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Fertility startups have proliferated and expanded across the country, undergirded by colossal private equity and venture capital investments seeking returns.
    — Pooja Yerramilli, STAT, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Amazon has a hypothetical $50 billion chip business and can offer a roadmap to immense profitability.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2026
  • One idea that comes up from time to time is for the Treasury Department to price its immense gold holdings at market rates.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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