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 enormous cluster acts as a gravitational lens, bending and magnifying light from objects behind it. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The best-looking cakes include Tom’s, which is him as a Simpsons character on top of an enormous carrot cake. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026 Today’s show featured bold elements, with a vibrant palette of primary colors, panniers and padding that created the illusion of an enormous bottom, or exaggerated green fringing on Bermuda shorts that gave an audible swish as the models walked by. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Given the enormous energy packed away in Category 5 hurricanes, this could mean a prolonged cooler and drier period early next week, or the complete opposite if Polo veers too far east. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • First, because of the huge jump in salary when Pelle Larsson’s extension kicks in for 2027-28.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • That led to the rest of the tour’s openers and even Sheeran’s backing band for the tour dropping off the tour in solidarity with Macklemore — all of which became a huge news story and PR nightmare for the usually very un-controversial Sheeran.
    — Brendan Menapace, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The technology behind these voices has grown so refined that the vast majority of the general population hasn’t even noticed the transition has been made.
    — Will Jones, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This vast misshapen island was traditionally noted for ghosts, folktales, eccentricity, fish, and friendliness.
    — Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the theatrical landscape continues to evolve, there is tremendous opportunity to find creative ways to connect great films with audiences.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Data centers gobble up a tremendous amount of energy, most of which still comes from fossil fuels.
    — Anna Zarra Aldrich, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This week, some people make gigantic mistakes that are very entertaining.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Royal Caribbean’s Icon class is growing as the company marks the start of construction on its fifth gigantic vessel in the series.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • After a handful of ownership changes throughout the decades, the hotel underwent a massive renovation and reopened in December 2023 as the Mandarin Oriental Savoy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The chain had blamed the decline on launching too many promotions, plus inadequate customer service and its massive World Cup promotion failing to attract eaters.
    — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • On the living-room table was a giant bowl filled with cigarette butts, which Beck said was for an art project.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Her work ultimately led to more than 600 residents of Hinkley filing a lawsuit against utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric.
    — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, a colossal pet project by the man who invented the Star Wars franchise, makes no apologies for looking like a spaceship arrived from outer space.
    — Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Like much else in Guatemala, the colossal, mint-green presidential palace where Arévalo sat down with me is a holdover from a bygone era of authoritarianism.
    — Will Freeman, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature, loss, and longing inspire these quiet verses, which conjure a sense of the immense mysteries governing the observable world.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The immense gravitational influence of these black holes generates incredible amounts of friction in the accretion disk, causing the objects to glow brightly as AGNs.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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