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 molar has an enormous vertical hole through the crown and down to the pulp. Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 13 May 2026 In 1943, three Chicagoans introduced deep-dish — a pan-baked pie with enormous amounts of cheese, a thick pastry-like crust and tomato sauce poured on top — at a restaurant that still operates today. Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 May 2026 While this is an enormous size for any object or region, our own Milky Way galaxy measures over 100,000 light-years in diameter. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 13 May 2026 The years that followed saw an enormous upsurge in new approaches to money and monetary policy, including a resurrection of old debates. Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • Though conditions are more acute in Myanmar due to the civil war, experts warn the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz could also dent rice production across the region – with potentially huge shocks for food security.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • Just to switch gears for a second, the 2025-2026 season had some huge roster changes.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • People familiar with the investigation told The Times that a vast amount of data was gathered and needs to be analyzed.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Kent has used the vast array of succulents’ color, texture and size to draw the eye.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • First, the incoming object blasted material outward at tremendous speed, excavating deep layers of the moon.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
  • Obviously, what Mark Davis has done is tremendous in Las Vegas, and really investing in that team.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Another executive said any potential trade package would be gigantic.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • Upside-down performers hang from a gigantic bell, clanging their torsos against the metal.
    Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Sun managed to hang with the Aces for a half despite the massive experience gap between the teams, but the young squad fell apart late in its 98-69 loss at Mohegan Sun Arena.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The outlet consistently awards UCSB the top spot for its massive social scene, access to bars and Greek life.
    Bethany Brown, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby’s elevator doors opened and a woman with a giant white saucer on her head and a matching floor-length coat, embellished with red splotches that evoked stab wounds, slowly exited.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Atlanta dodged a colossal traffic migraine last weekend, but motorists should once again brace for inconvenience Friday evening through early Monday.
    Vanessa McCray, AJC.com, 12 May 2026
  • Then finish with the shaggy, colossal coconut gelato sundae or a little demon of a coffee cake, fondant eyes agog.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is all in an effort to keep up with the immense amount of AI infrastructure demand.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 May 2026
  • For Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert Financial, the borrowing update is the latest example of the immense supply of fresh debt that the Treasury Department is issuing.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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