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 result is that a complete NGRST survey image will be enormous. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026 This was a moment where an enormous landmass of the American electorate shifted. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 Regional conflict has had enormous impacts on travel demand and consumer spending across the Gulf, with the UAE — particularly Dubai — absorbing an outsized share of the shock. Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026 In March, much of that precipitation fell as snow, including in an enormous blizzard that brought 3 feet of snow to parts of Michigan. The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • However — and this is significant — Buffett faced some years with huge losses.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But land developers and speculators reap huge profits, the state and local governments gleefully do their bidding.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests went diving under tables as the scene unfolded and some reported hearing shots outside the vast subterranean ballroom in the Washington Hilton where the event was being held.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The couple flew south from Tijuana on Thursday morning and spent two days touring the vast city.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To see Ben’s growth, to see Jon, his rapid ascent, and to see the team’s success, to see DA — there’s a tremendous sense of pride watching your buddies do such great things professionally.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This is a tremendous fit and very good value.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Those institutions are largely unconcerned with the small- and medium-sized enterprises that Fasanara has become so accustomed to financing and would much rather continue to focus on large, mainstream corporate clients, where the returns are gigantic.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The wide-plank floors and exposed rafters preserve some of the 1800s charm, along with gigantic fireplaces in the living room and the kitchen.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is evidence that the planet is healing amid massive efforts to mitigate climate change and fight biodiversity loss.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, though refillable marketing has continued, increasingly savvy beauty consumers have come to increasingly see the concept as more about greenwashing than real impact on our massive packaging waste problem.
    Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Just last month, his government paid a French energy company $1 billion to abandon two giant East Coast wind farm projects and use the check to invest in oil and gas projects instead.
    Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Instead, there’s now a concrete tunnel that looks like a giant piece of abstract art.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The silence might be partly explained by a colossal sense of embarrassment surrounding the eventual collapse of Abraaj.
    Hettie O'Brien, The Dial, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The Fanjuls fled Cuba after Fidel Castro’s takeover and built a sugar empire with colossal political might, amassing a fortune of more than $6 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
    Michael Smith, Bloomberg, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Only an immense draft package could even create a degree of sway, and even then, would have to be accompanied by expiring, non-cap-clogging contracts.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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