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
  • Questions remain over how the Premier League could create competitive balance, given the vast differences in spending ability between its biggest clubs and smaller challengers.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Halzen had the idea to turn the vast Antarctic ice into such a detector.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 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
  • Or Mitch Moreland hits a gigantic late-inning homer in game four of a World Series game to make that series 3-1 instead of 2-2.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Still, a gigantic price target hike to $1,000 from $796 prior, representing 35% upside.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • On Monday, stand-up comedians on social media launched a massive awareness campaign to pressure one of their own, Sebastian Maniscalco, to reconsider recent programming decisions at his SiriusXM radio station, Sebastian Maniscalco’s Comedy Radio.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The whole story unfolds within a massive narrative arc that spans the roughly 20 years of the hunt for the Monster.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Most of the time, Mark just flails, complains, and pouts like a giant baby, and Affleck’s twitchy, rapid-fire delivery can’t give the character any life or depth.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • If a crack reaches a giant zucchini’s internal cavity, the zucchini — known as marrow by growers — is disqualified.
    — Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The signal, however, is evidence of a colossal magnetic field — not intelligent life.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The sensational international rescue of the famously sentient creatures, replete with colossal cargo planes, huge crates and Shedd staffers working in the dead of night to transport and care for the whales, must have looked made for social media.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 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 13 Oct. 2026.

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