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

as in huge

unusually large that pumpkin is so enormous that it has to be a record holder

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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

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 Unlike traditional processors, Cerebras' chip packs enormous computing power and bandwidth onto a single piece of silicon. — Paul Meeks, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 The name of the restaurant refers to the enormous river/estuary bordering Argentina. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026 Russia’s deep industrial reserves and Ukraine’s impressive adaptation have shown that complex energy systems can withstand enormous damage. — Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 23 Oct. 2026 For years, Western companies complained that access to China’s enormous market came with demands for technology transfers. — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for enormous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for enormous

Adjective

The Bruins took a huge hit with their top six players all getting drafted by WNBA teams.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
With its available sun-deflecting bright-white fabric and huge garage door-like entryway, the tent makes for a natural day shelter for events out in the sun, rain and wind.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of huge

Adjective

But the vast bulk of that paper deficit arose from changes in fair value of convertible notes.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
Released to critical acclaim in 2022, the role-playing game from Japanese publisher Bandai Namco is set in a dark fantasy world and allows players to head off on adventures within vast environments and dungeons.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of vast

Adjective

The fair had been paying about $1 million a year for the gigantic space, which has hosted nearly 300 galleries in some editions.

— Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
On Friday, that thought process took another gigantic step, as those in charge of putting a product on television have all but signed the official paperwork to once again expand the college football playoff.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of gigantic

Adjective

Toronto reacquired Leonard in an offseason trade after a salary cap-circumvention scandal that led to massive sanctions against the Clippers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Pearson and his brother KeShaun are the two most prominent local opponents of Elon Musk’s xAI, a subsidiary of which has developed a massive data-center complex, provocatively named Colossus, in and around South Memphis.

— Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of massive

Adjective

Among the companies that pursued a traditional IPO, only Circle is trading close to its listing price—and that’s primarily thanks to the colossal opening day pop the company enjoyed back in June of 2025.

— Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Concrete, when poured over rods of steel, proved strong enough to prop up colossal skyscrapers that Julius Caesar could only have dreamed of.

— Sara Herschander, Vox, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of colossal

Browse Nearby Words

enormity

enormous

enormously

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“Enormous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/enormous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of enormous

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Yes, 'Enormity' Can Mean 'Enormousness'

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Synonyms of enormous

adjective

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