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 Trump’s policy agenda has injected enormous uncertainty into businesses across the United States and shaken consumer confidence. —John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 The fashion market is enormous worldwide, with global revenue projected to reach $880.9 billion in 2025, according to Statista. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 The significance of the recent deal is enormous, as the Sacha oil field alone accounts for 16% of the country’s oil production. —Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 The algae offers enormous potential benefits, including for food production and biofuel development. —Avery Schuyler Nunn, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 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
  • Tesla sales have experienced a huge international decline, leaving room for competitors to gain momentum.
    — Charles Singh, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • So, that was a huge surprise, but brilliant storytelling, as far as I’m concerned.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • From raw material cultivation to textile finishing, nearly every stage of production relies on manufacturers’ access to vast quantities of clean, affordable water.
    — Ken Katz, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025
  • So far, the vast majority (around 97%) of cases in 2025 have been in people who had no record of being vaccinated.
    — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • At the time Venice had a tremendous amount of creative freedom because no one really cared much about what went on there.
    — Courtney Wittich, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • There is a tremendous difference between getting the two countries to step back from the brink of war and facilitating a permanent solution to an 80-year dispute.
    — Lisa Curtis, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • In the afternoon, the café-style windows are thrown open as its bistro tables spill out onto the sidewalk, ready to hold gigantic Aperol spritzes in burgundy glasses.
    — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 2 May 2025
  • While Trump has already implemented an additional 10% tariff on goods imports from almost all countries, as well as much higher tariffs on some sectors and a gigantic duty on imports from China, the European Union has so far only threatened limited retaliatory tariffs on US goods.
    — Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
Definition of gigantic
Adjective
  • The massive undersea volcano reaches more than 3,600 feet above the seabed is located 300 miles offshore.
    — Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • This gelatinous creature, known for its massive eyes and long arms, was found during an expedition by the CSIRO.
    — Real-Time news team, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • The increase in energy from a healthier diet has maximized his gym workouts, and his shooting — 3-pointers, mid-range, off the dribble — has taken a giant step forward.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2025
  • The film is a giant step for a picture coming out of Nigeria and landing at the world’s most important film festival.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 13 May 2025
Definition of giant
Adjective
  • His story, recently chronicled in the Los Angeles Times, illustrates the immense value of unused PTO for employees and, on the flip side, the massive hidden cost that public institutions and businesses quietly carry on their books.
    — Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • But, the scale of need is immense, and supporting everyone who requires urgent help requires a far greater response than the efforts of civil society organizations alone.
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Definition of immense
Adjective
  • This sudden flash of light accompanied by a colossal burst of subatomic particles is called a solar flare.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
  • The scientists hope to eventually be able to capture an adult colossal squid on camera.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 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 19 May. 2025.

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