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 Google's search index is essentially an enormous database of information from billions of webpages. —Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 30 May 2025 Researchers said 7,000 years ago, a tsunami about 164 feet tall— the height of the Arc de Triomphe, or a giant sequoia — dislodged the enormous rock and moved it 656 feet inland. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 30 May 2025 Known for its high yield and hearty disposition, the vegetable will grow enormous (blue ribbon at the county fair energy) and plentiful specimens if left on the vine. —Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025 Kendrick followed with the first of his enormous postseason hits with a 10th-inning grand slam off Joe Kelly. —Tim Britton, New York Times, 30 May 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
  • Okonkwo made a huge impression in north Wales and his move was made permanent last summer on a free transfer.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • It's been a huge benefit for Dylan to take part in REACH — something he's done since the program got its start in 2019.
    — Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 27 May 2025
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • The lander would also need to run on non-rechargeable batteries, because the vast distance to the Sun would make solar panels prohibitively massive.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025
  • By running as an NPA, Pizzo hopes to appeal to a vast electorate alienated by both major parties.
    — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • Having customers in-store provides tremendous advantages for physical stores versus e-commerce. - Mark Francis, Electronic Caregiver 11.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Our beloved community, including League City, San Leon, Dickinson High School, and The Houston Film Commission, were tremendous resources for us.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 June 2025
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • In numerous ways, the loss of Fernandes would be a gigantic blow for United.
    — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • This gigantic bet-and-get offer is exclusively available to new DraftKings customers who use the code and register today.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Definition of gigantic
Adjective
  • Google’s push to court creative types coincides with a separate initiative to help AI technology overcome its massive public relations problem.
    — Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
  • After their massive breakthrough and worldwide success, all eyes are on Turnstile.
    — Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • But the film makes too little a point of one giant forebear.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 6 June 2025
  • In one shot, the former Philadelphia Eagles center, 37, posed with a giant pancake in his hands.
    — Erin Clements, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of giant
Adjective
  • The Tarrytown Lighthouse suffered immense damage on May 31, which could cost over $100,000, according to Westchester County.
    — Michael P. McKinney, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • An experience often accompanied by immense highs and devastating lows.
    — Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025
Definition of immense
Adjective
  • Around one-third of the world’s fish stocks are overfished, including those in Southeast Asia, where China operates a colossal fishing operation.
    — Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 June 2025
  • In early 2025, the company made a breakthrough with the colossal woolly mouse, sharing parts of the woolly mammoth’s DNA and proving the scientists’ ability to recreate complex genetic combinations that took nature millions of years to create.
    — Emma Kershaw, Forbes.com, 5 June 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 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of enormous for Spanish Speakers

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