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 And building another venue would add billions to an already enormous investment — assuming the city would even approve a second NBA arena. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 What's new is Apple bringing that form factor to the enormous base of consumers already invested in the iPhone ecosystem. — Mackenzie Sigalos,kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 Miller in his role helps lead the charge for Jesser, the sports influencer who has enormous cachet with young NBA fans and the league itself. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Capturing even a small share would create enormous companies. — Navin Chaddha, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • Tre Tyus called up from practice squad, the big punt block at the end was huge, and the guys came together and found a way to win.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Video also appears to show a drone striking a huge bridge in the city.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Deep-sea mining companies are targeting this vast reserves of metal-rich nodules to power the electric vehicle market.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • China has stepped up cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to crack down on a vast industry that has flourished in the region in recent years to fleece people out of billions of dollars.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Last-minute changes and unscheduled requests to cover other clients can place tremendous stress on the field caregiver.
    — Colin Conner II, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There has been a tremendous amount of recent development in Chelsea, but, ever the story in New York City, as beloved old places close their doors, new favorites emerge.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The Board leverages the visual engagement potential of a gigantic iPad with the appealing tactility of board games.
    — Kevin Cortez, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • M'Baku is the leader of the Jabari tribe, a Wakandan community that worships a gigantic white gorilla deity.
    — Sohini Sarah Pillai, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Throw in a third massive object, though, and the math gets ridiculously more complicated and difficult to solve.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Wearing impractical stilettos and clutching a massive Stanley cup, Trina is introduced to her new pupils.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The most direct tribute to Tippett came in the battle against two giant droids guarding an overlord’s chamber.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The giant company now called Skydance Media made some commitments to the indie film space in a settlement with a group of Attorneys General who had sued to block the merger.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The situation is particularly dire given the film’s colossal budget, which totaled around $180 million.
    — Lou Gomis, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Vikings avoided a colossal mistake in the fourth quarter when Justin Jefferson's throwback near midfield was nearly swiped by the Saints.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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