enormous

adjective

i-ˈnȯr-məs How to pronounce enormous (audio)
Definition of enormousnext
as in huge
unusually large that pumpkin is so enormous that it has to be a record holder

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 In 2018, the Cash Money Records executive proposed to Braxton with an enormous $1 million diamond ring. —Dominique Fluker, Essence, 10 Apr. 2025 Even the garage is enormous, with space for eight cars. —Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025 The enormous uncertainty around the administration’s heavy-handed immigration crackdown has even longtime legal residents on edge. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2025 With capacity for both sailing and motor yachts of enormous lengths, Ares has near-limitless possibilities for future new builds. —Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for enormous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
  1. huge
  2. vast
  3. tremendous
  4. gigantic
  5. massive
  6. giant
  7. immense
  8. colossal
Adjective
  • France’s national team, on the other hand, thrives on its huge reservoir of talent.
    — Philipp Lahm, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
  • There weren’t exactly huge, sweeping changes to the Reds’ camp this year.
    — C. Trent Rosecrans, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • None of the country’s three top circuits have issued any warnings, and one top exhibitor says the vast majority of its showings have been without a major incident.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Iran also continues to be a major player in the Ukraine war, backing Russia with vast arms transfers, including drones and missiles.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • Saints received a tremendous pop from the crowd to begin the Stand & Deliver card.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • As a whole, the gig showed Cave’s tremendous artistic range**.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • The bathroom could be closed off with sleek pivoting panels and came—like all suites—with a gigantic shower and round bath the size of a Jacuzzi tub.
    — Chris Schaklx, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The polar vortex is a gigantic, circular area of cold air high up in the atmosphere that typically spins over the North Pole (as its name suggests).
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of gigantic
Adjective
  • Stevens, 86, suffered a massive stroke in 2016 and is currently in assisted living, according to her daughter, actress Joely Fisher.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • There was a feeling that the country was coming out of a massive crisis and that global institutions had a responsibility to help rebuild the country, strengthen its healthcare system, and make sure an outbreak like this could never happen again.
    — The Dial, The Dial, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • Volunteers stirred giant pots of steaming lentils one recent afternoon as people formed a line to receive their portions.
    — Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • While there's plenty happening on the grounds of Coachella, there's even more fun to be had outside of the festival — including at a giant pool party nearby downtown Palm Springs.
    — Brianne Tracy, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of giant
Adjective
  • The fallout from that would be immense.
    — Arthur Staple, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Yes, Brandon Carlo’s ability to snuff out the Lightning’s transition game the next night was immense.
    — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of immense
Adjective
  • On the season’s closing days, skiers and riders take their turn gaining speed down to the base of the slope, bending their knees and water skiing over a lake, pond or colossal puddle, just hoping to absorb the shock on the other side.
    — Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The Institute said while dying adults have previously been filmed by fishermen, the colossal squid have never been seen alive at depth.
    — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of colossal

Browse Nearby Words

enormity
enormous
enormously
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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