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 Facebook and Instagram company has already been ramping up spending to build the enormous computing infrastructure needed to support its AI ambitions. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 July 2026 This constant tidal flexing generates enormous amounts of internal heat, fueling hundreds of active volcanoes and making Io the most volcanically active object in the solar system. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 July 2026 Crowdfunding campaigns on social media brought in enormous sums from around the world, and much of it went toward the purchase of drones on the open market. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 July 2026 As part of a pact earlier this year, Warner board members agreed to cover Zaslav’s expected $335 million in tax obligations tied to his enormous payout, according to regulatory filings. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The designation is a first for Georgia and a huge win for dedicated conservationists, scientists, government officials, nonprofits and swamp neighbors who have spent more than four decades advocating for our wetland wonder.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Jericho hit Ciampa with the hockey stick and kissed the Youppi the plush toy to a huge pop.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • DeepSeek challenged the conventional wisdom that developing an advanced AI model requires massive financial investment and vast computing power, and offered competitive pricing.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • Tech firms are now addressing this blind spot, deploying AI to analyze vast backlogs of inspection photos and notes, identifying defects like corrosion.
    Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Third, college players have tremendous value in the marketplace, as evidenced by rising player salaries.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The General Electric breakup has created tremendous shareholder value, but GEHC is the laggard of the three entities.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • The two lakes, which are essentially one gigantic reservoir separated by the Grand Canyon, hold just under 60% of the total water currently stored in the basin.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Also seen is Edric’s sinister pod sliding silently into one of the gigantic Guild Heighliner starships.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Multiple people were injured Thursday after a Kenmore Air floatplane made an emergency landing off the Washington coast before catching fire, prompting a massive rescue operation, authorities said.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2026
  • DeepSeek challenged the conventional wisdom that developing an advanced AI model requires massive financial investment and vast computing power, and offered competitive pricing.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Balloons float above an exploding castle, a giant peeks from behind the bushes and wizards throw flames in the foreground.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2026
  • An interesting implication of the spillover effect is that the end customers of consumer electronics devices are now effectively competing against giant data centers.
    Srikanth Jagabathula, Fortune, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • The colossal billboards by the side of highways advertising legal representation.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 18 July 2026
  • This week, Gracie Abrams pens a tearjerker on mother-daughter relationships, Steve Lacy escapes the abyss of a breakup on a colossal double track, and Beabadoobee contemplates risk and reward on a fuzzy new single.
    Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • The two have seen each other go through immense highs and lows.
    Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • Every year, around four million visitors converge on the five tiny fishing villages, placing immense pressure on their narrow streets, hiking trails, and centuries-old buildings.
    Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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