enormous

adjective

enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs How to pronounce enormous (audio)
ē-
1
: marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree
especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions
2
a
: exceedingly wicked : shocking
an enormous sin
b
archaic : abnormal, inordinate
enormousness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for enormous

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth 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

huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

Examples of enormous in a Sentence

They live in an enormous house. We chose not to undertake the project because of the enormous costs involved.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Weaving its way past some of the city’s most spectacular sights, the track was an enormous improvement from its predecessor. Dan Cancian, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Magaro must convey the enormous pressure and responsibility placed on Mason as he is suddenly thrust into the hot seat to produce live coverage. Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024 As the new monarch, Victoria would inevitably have had an enormous influence on her subjects, especially on women’s fashions. Carol A. Grissom, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Nov. 2024 Hulk Hogan spoke on Trump’s behalf at the 2024 RNC, Vince McMahon is an enormous Trump supporter who gave him $5 million, and Linda McMahon served in the first Trump administration as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enormous 

Word History

Etymology

Latin enormis, from e, ex out of + norma rule

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of enormous was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near enormous

Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enormous. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

enormous

adjective
enor·​mous i-ˈnȯr-məs How to pronounce enormous (audio)
: extraordinarily great in size, number, or degree
enormously adverb
enormousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on enormous

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