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 Its enormous lift capacity and low-cost potential could reshape satellite deployment, planetary science, and interplanetary logistics. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 But a society rich in productive generational diversity also represents an enormous opportunity to blend communication styles and to learn from one another. Bill Connolly, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025 Angie brought an enormous Tupperware full of every gift Lisa had given her or her daughter over the years. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2025 The Brooks bull, an enormous Rocky Mountain elk tagged in Washington state in December, is officially the new nontypical archery world-record, the Pope and Young Club announced Tuesday. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • China’s sweeping new restrictions, some of which won’t take effect until November, could deal a huge blow to East Asian economies, such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, which play critical roles in the global tech and artificial intelligence supply chain, as well as the auto industries.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Chiefs won a huge game, and Reid played a huge role in putting them in position.
    Sam McDowell October 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • And, while large-scale armies were attacking one another with a vast arsenal of technological advancements, De Stijl architects and theorists were observing great opportunities for a better world based on this massive scale and these new technologies.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s my advice for the vast majority of Gen Zers stuck in what probably feels like a very untenable place.
    Suzy Welch, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Eliminating the need for manual adjustments—whether for meals or for any other changes during the day—would give people with diabetes a tremendous sense of freedom.
    Carrie Arnold, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Much of this has been fueled by a tremendous amount of investment in AI infrastructure, which has driven significant capital formation.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Barbie movie in was a gigantic smash in 2023; additional Mattel IP includes Hot Wheels, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, Polly Pocket and Barney.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Now it’s happened, and Penn State is paying a gigantic sum to go find a different coach.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Institutions, some of which now hold massive bitcoin positions, are looking to turn idle crypto holdings into working and productive capital.
    Luke Xie, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Many are convinced that the massive amount of spending in the data center buildout will keep the AI rally going for the foreseeable future.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Ayton has skill, a silky jumper, smooth footwork and a giant frame that can block off the paint on the other end.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Rescuing the city required the cooperation of the state of New York, the banks, the city workers unions, giant property owners and … the White House.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Thomson has enjoyed immense success since taking over the Phillies, and will get another opportunity in 2026.
    Noah Camras, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Crabbs, who played indoor volleyball at Long Beach State, were playing in their first international match together in nearly 10 years after experiencing immense success on the AVP Tour with separate partners over the past decade.
    Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Steak 'n Shake recently began rolling out colossal American flags at its locations as numerous businesses embrace patriotic themes.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • His colossal fortune will instead go to charities.
    Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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