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

Examples 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 The world is watching to see how the presidential race between former President Trump and Vice President Harris turns out, with enormous stakes for Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the global south hanging in the balance. Laura Kelly, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 While the potential is enormous, the challenge has been translating these tools into solutions that are timely, easy to use, and easy to understand. Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 My Coach empire tote holds an enormous amount—my laptop, a change of shoes, various chargers, and so on. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2024 Vice President Harris is well equipped to appoint and lead a national security team in facing our enormous global challenges. Sam Nunn, TIME, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enormous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous
Adjective
  • The details of the deal aren’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of things for the franchise, but Moody inked a sweet contract and can play himself into even more money.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Here's a huge price drop on a very capable convertible Chromebook.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In the vast majority of cases, the products were dropped off without any interaction between the buyer and the delivery person, according to the study.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • This means these satellites would be able to relay data to Earth and other spacecraft across vast stretches of space, likely through Starlink's laser communication system.
    Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • And so there’s a tremendous amount of pride and excitement about bringing this out into the world after spending seven years of our lives together telling these stories.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
  • This was a tremendous risk for the team, me as a leader, and the company.
    Mamie Jones, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In Antarctica, sea ice surrounding the continent also buttresses gigantic ice sheets, slowing the flow of glacial ice into the ocean.
    Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Invest in community colleges, where a gigantic proportion of American students are but where a lack of resources often thwarts their ambitions.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But there’s also plenty to celebrate, including Beyoncé’s massive haul and Charli XCX’s surprise showing.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • With its massive gravitational pull, Jupiter has altered the orbit of asteroids and comets for billions of years.
    Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Even after a tribute video, highlighting many of his on- and off-court contributions to the team and community, was played on the giant halo video board, some fans cheered; most booed.
    Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Uncle Jack Cassidy lives on the island which is filled with new dinosaur species, giant insects and prehistoric amphibians.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Nobody will be able to fill Dianne’s immense shoes, but her memory will be my guide.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Orange County Register, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Thousands of soldiers are working with firefighters and police reinforcements in the immense emergency response.
    Hernán Muñoz and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Here, colorful cabins contrast colossal ice cap backdrops and vibrant celestial phenomena light the sky.
    Yahya Salem, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
  • With two front wheels so close together, and a colossal engine between them and the rider's seat, conventional forks and regular steering was out of the question.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near enormous

Cite this Entry

“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on enormous

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