enormous
11 synonyms and 1 antonyms for enormous, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Extremely large in size, extent, or degree.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use enormous
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin enormis, "irregular, huge," from ex- ("out of") + norma ("rule, standard").
Full origin of enormous →Frequently asked questions
What does “enormous” mean?
The word “enormous” means extremely large in size, extent, or degree. In plain terms, very, very big — in size, amount, or intensity.
How do you pronounce “enormous”?
“Enormous” is pronounced ih-NAW-muhs (/ɪˈnoɹ.məs/ in IPA).
How do you use “enormous” in a sentence?
Here is “enormous” used in a sentence: “The house has an enormous garden with room for a full-size football pitch.”
What is another word for “enormous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “enormous” include huge, gigantic, humongous, massive and tremendous.
What is the opposite of “enormous”?
The opposite of “enormous” — its antonyms — is tiny.
What part of speech is “enormous”?
“Enormous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “enormous” come from?
The word “enormous” comes from Latin. From Latin enormis, "irregular, huge," from ex- ("out of") + norma ("rule, standard").
Is “enormous” a common word?
“Enormous” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between "enormous" and "huge"?
Both mean extremely large in size, extent, or degree, and they are often interchangeable. "Enormous" tends to sound slightly more formal or emphatic, while "huge" is more casual and common in everyday speech. The difference is mainly one of tone rather than meaning.
What is the difference between "enormous" and "immense"?
Both describe something extremely large, but "immense" often stresses something so vast it is hard to measure or grasp, such as immense pressure or immense distances. "Enormous" more commonly describes concrete size, like an enormous building. The two frequently overlap.
Can "enormous" describe things that are not physical?
Yes. Besides physical size, "enormous" can describe extent or degree, as in enormous pressure, an enormous amount of work, or enormous relief. In these cases it emphasises how great something is rather than how big it is.