Definition of colossalnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word colossal distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of colossal are enormous, gigantic, huge, immense, mammoth, and vast. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

How are the words enormous and immense related as synonyms of colossal?

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 could gigantic be used to replace colossal?

In some situations, the words gigantic and colossal are roughly equivalent. However, gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When can huge be used instead of colossal?

Although the words huge and colossal have much in common, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

When would mammoth be a good substitute for colossal?

While in some cases nearly identical to colossal, mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When is vast a more appropriate choice than colossal?

The words vast and colossal can be used in similar contexts, but 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 colossal Set on a colossal ceramic plate crafted by a local architect, and supported internally with steel tubes, this event set a Guinness World Record, solidifying the country’s enthusiasm for the dip. Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 June 2026 Neolithic peoples, with limited technology, would have had to travel impressive distances to move such a colossal megalith over 435 miles, as researchers determined that the stone originated from the Orcadian Basin in northeastern Scotland. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026 And SpaceX isn't the only colossal market debut investors are now bracing for. CBS News, 4 June 2026 Through the glass windows of the colossal open kitchen, guests can watch Singita’s sous chefs in action—they’re also welcome to barge right in and watch (and help in) the preparation. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • Miami knows a variety of sports on a gigantic scale more than most big cities.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • And two, the logo is ugly and gigantic.
    Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • The expectations for the USA are not huge for this tournament – just ask Gary Lineker – but a scintillating performance such as what took place on SoFi Stadium’s turf on Friday night is something that will exhilarate soccer fans and the soccer-curious around the country.
    Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 13 June 2026
  • Security is also a huge challenge.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Start small with beaded bookmarks or diamond art magnets, or take on a long-term project with enormous pieces of diamond wall art.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
  • And that set off an enormous race, and then of course a trajectory of many labs adopting the technology for all kinds of applications.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The University of Kansas marching band played the Algerian national anthem and Lawrence artist Stan Herd created a giant flag of the North African nation, made out of organic materials, to display on the school grounds.
    Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • Texas restaurants are a big winner from the FIFA World Cup, as visitors fill social media with dozens of photos of giant barbecue platters, tall frozen margaritas and anything from Buc-ees.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • These are the birthplaces of vast amounts of planets.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 June 2026
  • Because the vast majority of people sickened with salmonella get better without seeing a medical professional, official outbreak counts usually include only a fraction of the number of people actually infected.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a contract to a company that makes a drone with massive nets to ensnare other drones.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • This $200,000 bad check appears to be just the tip of a massive financial iceberg.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • But SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI swelled to tremendous sizes thanks to dollars from private investors, including pension funds, companies and rich investors, away from the public market.
    Stan Choe, Fortune, 13 June 2026
  • Having such a wide variety of on-site entertainment drives tremendous traffic with more than 38 million visits to Yas Island in 2024.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Other mammoth rehab projects in the works nearby are expected to help fill vacant offices and revive aging skyscrapers with new apartments and hotel rooms.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • The event will take place in a mammoth, claw-like outdoor arena that will spotlight the White House in the background.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on colossal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster