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 song’s pop culture footprint is enormous. Ryan Brennan april 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026 Not every artist who scores a massive hit can follow it up — and in the 1990’s, that gap between one transcendent song and everything else that followed was sometimes enormous. Ryan Brennan april 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026 The walls are covered with paintings, some crookedly hung, and there’s an enormous David Hockney book displayed on a stand. Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 In particular, his inability to track shots from the point has been an enormous problem. Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • That's all well and good, and that's a huge part of the learning process.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Milton, a Whichita State signee, played a huge role in what was arguably North Crowley girls basketball’s best season.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Being in the band for 10 years, that’s nearly a third of my life, and the vast majority of my creative life.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2026
  • All in a place where people are living atop vast deposits of coal, oil, and gas.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spacecraft returning from the moon hit Earth's atmosphere at tremendous speeds — 24,000 mph (38,600 kph) or thereabouts.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • How tremendous the moviegoing experience is throughout the country.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even Sebastiaan Bornauw, United’s gigantic centre-back, fizzed a long-range effort off Alphonse Areola’s gloves.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Try a pair of trendy bug-eyed sunglasses to balance out your gigantic grocery tote.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Unique attractions like the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and the nearby Lucky Rabbit, a massive vintage store known for its creative displays, also attract visitors, Dorsey said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Yearning to light some tech on fire is a relatable feeling these days, as generative artificial intelligence promises to supplant nearly every form of non-physical labor, social media wreaks havoc on the mental health of young people, and massive data centers loom as environmental blights.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has shown interest in a team in London; Qatar Sports Investment, the owners of soccer giant PSG, is eying one in Paris; and RedBird Capital, which owns AC Milan and is an investor in Paramount, wants a team in Milan.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Their show is a high-energy mix of friendly interviews with tech titans, industry gossip, and celebrations of funding rounds and other successes that involve banging a giant gong.
    Shannon Bond, NPR, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Before that, a colossal puckhandling gaffe by Woll got the Kings on the board.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • His Iran deal would have led to a colossal arsenal of massive nuclear weapons for Iran.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The facilities can generate significant revenue for local governments due to sales and property taxes, but also require immense amounts of water and energy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Its centerpiece will be an auditorium with an immense gold statue of himself.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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