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 Many of the technologies being used in the Enhanced Games are advents of extremely wealthy people spending enormous sums in strange clinics on therapies for themselves. Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 30 Apr. 2026 The group is expected to ring up collectively for about $450 million, an enormous sum in any market, but a truly titanic one in a shaky moment in the art market and the global economy. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 30 Apr. 2026 The productivity gains are enormous, but just as important is the sense of agency this creates. Bruce Broussard, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026 What were these enormous, inexplicable things happening to us? Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The huge blaze was finally extinguished Thursday, the local governor said, though another drone attack hit the town’s sea terminal Friday, sparking a fire.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • Even with fatigue and that huge European tie looming, Forest could get something.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Guests went diving under tables as the scene unfolded and some reported hearing shots outside the vast subterranean ballroom in the Washington Hilton where the event was being held.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The couple flew south from Tijuana on Thursday morning and spent two days touring the vast city.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To see Ben’s growth, to see Jon, his rapid ascent, and to see the team’s success, to see DA — there’s a tremendous sense of pride watching your buddies do such great things professionally.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This is a tremendous fit and very good value.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Now, as spring has sprung on the Connecticut shoreline, yellow, red and white tulips tucked inside red, yellow and orange rain boots, along with gigantic orange and pink peonies, have sprouted in the 8-foot plate glass windows at Lily’s, 8 Post Office Square.
    Sarah Kyrcz, Hartford Courant, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Following the brutal death of two local teenagers, all clues point to Norway’s deepest fjord, where a gigantic mythical monster is hiding.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The company, which operates AMC, Shudder and BBC America, among other outlets,has no massive deal ready to unveil that will put it in cahoots with the NFL or Major League Baseball.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In the aftermath of 9/11, the country also experienced a massive surge in Islamophobia, with FBI data indicating anti-Muslim hate crimes skyrocketed by 1,600% in 2001.
    USA Today, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It's filled with plants, so don't picture a giant mud hole.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Other examples include a giant Trump banner being hung at the Justice Department earlier this year.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In 2019, Joe Biden vowed never to raise taxes on people earning less than $400,000 a year—a colossal sum, even in Greenwich, Connecticut, or Cupertino, California.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Amid colossal spending on AI, many of these new startups are raising hundreds of millions within months of being founded.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Only an immense draft package could even create a degree of sway, and even then, would have to be accompanied by expiring, non-cap-clogging contracts.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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