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 Thoreau correctly interpreted that his New England landscape had been shaped by a colossal ice sheet that had flowed southward from Canada. Robert M. Thorson, The Conversation, 8 May 2026 Satellite imagery near Ajo, Arizona, showed what appeared to be bulldozer tracks cutting a path approximately sixty to seventy feet wide across a colossal fish etched into the earth. News Desk, Artforum, 6 May 2026 The farthest room from the common area, it’s artfully built around a colossal Cape Ash tree and features a giant deck, floor-to-ceiling windows with bird’s-eye forest views, and sylvan ambience galore. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026 Ticketless fans who want to get as close to the action as possible also have a fantastic option in Texas Live—the colossal entertainment district in the shadow of the stadium itself. Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • Another executive said any potential trade package would be gigantic.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • Upside-down performers hang from a gigantic bell, clanging their torsos against the metal.
    Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Again and again worked Friday night for Blanco, who produced an RBI and triple for Oak Lawn in that huge third to spark a 22-6 victory over host Crete-Monee in five innings in Crete.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • That will also be a huge difference from the Orbán regime, when there was no responsibility or consequences of any crime, any political mistake.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the past few years, Russia, at an enormous cost to its own forces, made steady advances on the battlefield (most estimates suggest more than a million Russian soldiers have been killed or injured since the start of the conflict).
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Ferrari has set itself an enormous challenge.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby’s elevator doors opened and a woman with a giant white saucer on her head and a matching floor-length coat, embellished with red splotches that evoked stab wounds, slowly exited.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • People familiar with the investigation told The Times that a vast amount of data was gathered and needs to be analyzed.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Kent has used the vast array of succulents’ color, texture and size to draw the eye.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Sun managed to hang with the Aces for a half despite the massive experience gap between the teams, but the young squad fell apart late in its 98-69 loss at Mohegan Sun Arena.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The outlet consistently awards UCSB the top spot for its massive social scene, access to bars and Greek life.
    Bethany Brown, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • First, the incoming object blasted material outward at tremendous speed, excavating deep layers of the moon.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
  • Obviously, what Mark Davis has done is tremendous in Las Vegas, and really investing in that team.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Suddenly, Amex needed a mammoth restructuring initiative, in part to offset all the lost sales.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 May 2026
  • Victorian solution for an AI future Slated for completion in 2029, this mammoth battery is the anchor of the 20,000 215,000-sq-ft (~20,000-sq-m) Laufenburg Technology Center, a sprawling hub that will integrate AI data centers, laboratories, and offices.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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