1 enormous | Definition of enormous
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enormous

adjective
enor·​mous | \ i-ˈnȯr-mÉ™s How to pronounce enormous (audio) , Ä“-\

Definition of enormous

1 : marked by extraordinarily great size, number, or degree especially : exceeding usual bounds or accepted notions
2a : exceedingly wicked : shocking an enormous sin
b archaic : abnormal, inordinate
Other Words from enormous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about enormous

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Other Words from enormous

enormousness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for enormous

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth 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 huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount. incurred a huge debt vast usually suggests immensity of extent. the vast Russian steppes gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind. a gigantic sports stadium colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions. a colossal statue of Lincoln mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk. a mammoth boulder

Examples of enormous in a Sentence

They live in an enormous house. We chose not to undertake the project because of the enormous costs involved.

Recent Examples on the Web

 There is an enormous void in our lives that will never again be filled. — courant.com, "Geri Acey," 9 Sep. 2019 Now, the social-media age offers enormous amounts of potential training data. — Sidney Fussell, The Atlantic, "Medical Researchers Want Your YouTube Videos," 9 Sep. 2019 The stakes are enormous, not just for the symphony but for the surrounding neighborhoods, city and state. — Baltimore Sun Staff, baltimoresun.com, "BSO and musicians in marathon contract negotiations as deadline looms," 7 Sep. 2019 The second-round rookie receiver brings enormous big-play potential, needed to help fill the void left with the retirement of Wilson’s favorite target, Doug Baldwin. — Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY, "Opinion: Russell Wilson won't be limited to football, wants to 'inspire the world'," 6 Sep. 2019 The theoretical dangers are enormous, with bad actors potentially capable of kidnapping passengers or making cars collide. — Hanna Kozlowska, Quartzy, "A new thriller novel offers up twisted scenarios of the tech revolution gone wrong," 28 Aug. 2019 Hong Kong has been transformed for months by the enormous, constantly evolving pro-democracy protests. — Johnny Simon, Quartz, "How Hong Kong’s protest movement endures, in photos," 25 Aug. 2019 There's enormous potential for robots to help us with housework, education, entertainment and medical care. — Wade Roush, Scientific American, "Despite What You Might Think, Major Technological Changes Are Coming More Slowly Than They Once Did," 13 Aug. 2019 Bible classes have withstood court scrutiny in the past and are popular in many schools, though critics say there is enormous potential for teachers to violate the First Amendment by promoting a religious message. — Laura Meckler, Washington Post, "Poll shows widespread frustration among teachers over pay and respect," 5 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enormous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of enormous

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

History and Etymology for enormous

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