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 Unlike traditional processors, Cerebras' chip packs enormous computing power and bandwidth onto a single piece of silicon. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The name of the restaurant refers to the enormous river/estuary bordering Argentina. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 Russia’s deep industrial reserves and Ukraine’s impressive adaptation have shown that complex energy systems can withstand enormous damage. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 For years, Western companies complained that access to China’s enormous market came with demands for technology transfers. — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 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
  • The stellar core implodes into the black hole, and a GRB fueled by a vast amount of material from all around it is born.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In Registan Square on Monday, Rubio’s Uzbek hosts released hundreds of pigeons into the sky and filled the vast space with local pop music.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • All of that is a tremendous shy-away from modern-day data taking over.
    — Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Both actors have also worked with Lee before, to tremendous effect.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The fair had been paying about $1 million a year for the gigantic space, which has hosted nearly 300 galleries in some editions.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • On Friday, that thought process took another gigantic step, as those in charge of putting a product on television have all but signed the official paperwork to once again expand the college football playoff.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Toronto reacquired Leonard in an offseason trade after a salary cap-circumvention scandal that led to massive sanctions against the Clippers.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Pearson and his brother KeShaun are the two most prominent local opponents of Elon Musk’s xAI, a subsidiary of which has developed a massive data-center complex, provocatively named Colossus, in and around South Memphis.
    — Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of standing out as giant slabs of stainless steel, panel-ready models accept cabinet fronts that match the rest of your kitchen.
    — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The episode will see Meekah and the Mini Movers defeat a giant cardboard robot.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Among the companies that pursued a traditional IPO, only Circle is trading close to its listing price—and that’s primarily thanks to the colossal opening day pop the company enjoyed back in June of 2025.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Concrete, when poured over rods of steel, proved strong enough to prop up colossal skyscrapers that Julius Caesar could only have dreamed of.
    — Sara Herschander, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • By leveraging its immense manufacturing scale and a vast network of local bike shop partners across the US, the company works with margins that smaller startups couldn’t survive with.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026
  • On the Mediterranean side, Playa de Santa Bárbara is a wide sandy beach north of the border, with the immense Rock of Gibraltar rising to the south — a potentially spectacular foreground.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 25 Oct. 2026.

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