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 The colossal patty, mostly ribeye augmented by short rib and chuck, is cooked medium rare, tender and juicy without getting mushy or soggy. Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Their task was to do away with the colossal facade overhead. Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 Growing from a colossal breakdown — or in Agoura’s case — multiple colossal breakdowns. Tarek Fattal, Daily News, 29 May 2026 When speaking to Rolling Stone in 2017 about The Soundtrack of Our Lives, a documentary tracing his colossal 50-plus-year career, Davis emphasized his lasting love for music. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • Chatter about Donald, 35, has been rampant since last week, when the Rams made another gigantic offseason move by trading for defensive end Myles Garrett.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
  • Clearly, that gigantic number signals investors’ confidence in the future growth and profitability of AI.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 8 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
  • According to this theory, those now-extinct megafauna—the giant ground sloths and the giant beavers, the mastodons and mammoths, and even the lions and dire wolves—were relatively quickly hunted to extinction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
  • Officials said the events will feature live match broadcasts on giant LED screens, youth soccer clinics, family-friendly games, refreshments, halftime activities and inflatable attractions.
    Kristy Hutchings, Daily News, 10 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
  • The disappearance of a campground employee in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has prompted a massive search, authorities said.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • But there was hope that the world coming to America could bring the kind of unity and joy typical of massive sporting contests like the World Cup.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 11 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

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Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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