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
  • If the referendum passes, Miami will join the vast majority of Miami-Dade cities that hold elections in even years.
    Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The Jayhawks used a search firm to find candidates, and Goff noted that the pool of candidates was vast, including a lot of people from professional sports franchises.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 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
  • Jean overpowers their restraints and creates a gigantic psychic bubble that freezes in place nearly everyone in New York City.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The daughter of the Laestrygonians, whose scream summons the gigantic knights, is horrified to see men from the sea.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Now add the fun of a massive road project that is essentially adjacent to the facility, and attending Longhorns football games this season — and the next several — will mean packing in more time.
    Mac Engel July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • According to Karim Gharbi, Extension Agent for Horticulture with CSU Extension in Denver County, the beetles' strength comes from overwhelming trees in massive numbers.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 31 July 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
  • When Larry Culp became the CEO of GE in 2018, the colossal conglomerate that Jack Welch built into the most valuable and admired enterprise in America teetered on the brink of collapse.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Microdramas skew younger Holywater compiled the State of Microdrama Report with consulting firm Owl & Co, which pegged the global vertical video economy excluding China at a colossal $150B in 2026, up 41%.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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