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 Breaking the memory wall Modern AI applications, including large language models and scientific simulations, require enormous amounts of fast memory to store data and perform calculations. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026 Director Tasha Van Zandt went to great lengths to make her documentary A Life Illuminated – and to enormous depths. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 1 Aug. 2026 Rick Carroll became program director at KROQ in 1979, and his embrace of punk rock and new wave became an enormous influence on the development of the modern rock radio format in the ’80s. Al Shipley, SPIN, 31 July 2026 The 6-6, 252-pounder is enormous, with terrific length and the speed of a smaller man. Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • India is another huge buyer, Jungman said, accounting for about a quarter of exports, while European countries like Spain and the Netherlands are also in the mix.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Solo Sikoa received a huge face reaction in his tag team victory, while Nick Aldis was reinstated as SmackDown GM despite a loss to Gunther.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One such is Japan’s Santec Holdings, a maker of optical testing gear much in demand in AI data centers that use fiber-optic cables to transmit vast quantities of data.
    Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Roughly 11,000 square feet across two levels showcases high ceilings and vast walls of glass offering sweeping mountain and ocean views.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Linebacker Zaire Franklin had tremendous coverage on an incomplete pass down the middle for tight end Josh Whyle.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There are tremendous challenges around delivering this in practice given the differing problems and motivations across continents and federations.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Musk was asked several times about the prospects for the gigantic Starship rocket that is key to SpaceX realizing his ambitions.
    Bernard Condon, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • While SpaceX's satellite internet division, Starlink, remains the company's key revenue driver, the group's gigantic AI capex spend is unnerving investors, helping to drag the stock price lower in Wednesday's session.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The massive fire, which brought more than 300 firefighters to the scene, was finally put out by Wednesday evening.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • As a senior leader or mid-level executive tired of the grind, consider the massive opportunity hiding in plain sight.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Must-order side dishes include authentic, crisp and skinny French fries, redolent of truffle, and giant slices of roasted Brussels sprouts.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Others have mobilized their trucks and giant jerrycans to supply water to fire crews.
    Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Solar eclipses occur during the monthly new moon phase, when the lunar disk passes directly between the sun and Earth in its slightly lopsided orbit, casting its colossal shadow over a swathe of our planet's surface.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Behind the colossal range is a stunning Moroccan-style backsplash made with deep green and white tiles.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The incident also brought months of simmering cybersecurity fears to a head, demonstrating how easily AI agents could cause immense damage, while making the case for open models in the era of skyrocketing token costs.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • By squeezing the blocks together with the sample in the center, scientists apply an immense amount of pressure on it.
    Robin Macaluso, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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