ENORMOUS Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

enormous

adjective

i-ˈnȯr-məs

Definition of enormous next

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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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 Formula 1 has experienced a renaissance since Netflix’s Drive to Survive showcased the gripping personal rivalries between each team and driver, set against a backdrop of exotic locations, enormous wealth, and jaw-dropping consumerism. —

Adrienne So, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024 An enormous Christmas tree makes for a sweet picture backdrop, and the cocktail menu has gotten a temporary holiday makeover, too. —

Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 Lottery players have seen enormous jackpots recently, with previous winners of both the Powerball and Mega Millions breaking into the top 10 largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history. —

Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024 At the bottom was a chain-link fence with an enormous hole. —

Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for enormous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous

Adjective

Still, the vast majority of beer consumed in the state is made by huge commercial breweries owned by international conglomerates.

Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
There weren’t huge numbers of flaws in iOS 18.1, though some users were surprised by the need for a waitlist to be admitted to Apple Intelligence.

David Phelan, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024