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 There were enormous sums of money on the line in each vote referenced in the criminal complaint. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 The most violent volcanic cataclysm ever seen in our solar system has been witnessed on Jupiter’s moon Io by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, with simultaneous eruptions covering an enormous 40,400 square miles (65,000 square kilometers). Keith Cooper, Space.com, 29 Jan. 2026 While the mighty megalodon is not swimming along the shores of the Bay State now, the enormous prehistoric shark relative once dominated the shallow seas that covered Maryland and the rest of the Atlantic coastal plain. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Jan. 2026 This wonky-looking canine with a tiny face, enormous ears, and extremely long legs resembles something out of a Tim Burton film. Laura Kiniry, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The final project aims to blend elements from space sims, first-person shooters, MMOs, and more into a massive amalgamation set in a huge, persistent universe.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The Senate passed a package funding huge chunks of the federal government through September but setting a two-week stopwatch on the expiration of Homeland Security funding.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The effort reflects Beijing’s push to reduce its exposure to fragile overseas supply chains, as China remains the world’s largest consumer and importer of natural rubber, driven largely by its vast automotive and industrial sectors.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Nature magazine, Scientific American, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And the country has tremendous long-term potential.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These stray images were then blasted away by a blazing sun that completely filled the space of awareness before transforming itself into a gigantic eyeball—a sighted sun with a black circle of iris.
    Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
  • An ending to the story of this gigantic resource has yet to be written.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What gives management the confidence to continue investing is a massive backlog that keeps getting bigger and bigger.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The killing of two civilians by federal officers, including the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti on Saturday, has drawn increasing criticism from public officials, including Republicans, and massive protests.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The cemetery was divided in two by a windbreak of giant elms.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Just more than a minute after ignition, the ruptured booster caused the shuttle’s giant external fuel tank to explode, tearing the vehicle to pieces over the ocean and dooming all seven astronauts.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Russia has the world’s largest fleet with about 100 vessels, including colossal ships powered by nuclear reactors.
    Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Here, even check-in is transformed from pedestrian passport handover to what feels like a colossal, living, breathing oil painting.
    Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Many come early to grab a seat in the immense auditorium.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Woolen yelled at his teammates on the sideline after the Rams touchdown and was the focus of immense criticism on social media.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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