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 But with a bright sun this year replacing the thunderclouds seen during last year’s parade, Sunday both looked and felt colossal. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025 The leap from Regina to Karen might seem colossal, but Choi told The Guardian that the 2016 election led her to the latter’s creation. Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 3 June 2025 Argentina’s Boca have a seductive madness about them, engendered by their colossal support. Phil Hay, New York Times, 17 June 2025 Stakeholders are hopeful that U.S. fans will embrace the tournament, and that its 2025 edition will be a colossal success. Mark Lasota, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • The reluctance to do so earlier has converted a modest problem into a gigantic problem.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • The pair had performed earlier in the night at the Blue Note Jazz Festival, where Jones hula-hooped to a song in sheer black tights, a thong, and one of her gigantic signature red and black headdresses.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 15 June 2025
Adjective
  • Three seasons in, The Gilded Age has barely explored its huge cast of servant characters.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Porto nearly doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a point-blank shot from Rodrigo Mora, but Miami defender Maxi Falcon made a huge clearance at the line with his head after the ball had slipped by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • As Russia has demonstrated in its war in Ukraine, the country that controls global navigation systems and can disarm the satellites of its adversaries will have enormous military advantages.
    Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025
  • The group wields enormous influence setting vaccine policy in the United States, including which vaccines will be covered by insurance.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The French American artist, who died in 2010, is best known for her giant sculptures of spiders, including a 20-foot-high bronze creation that sold for $32.8 million in 2023, setting a record-high price for a work by a female artist.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 June 2025
  • The bottom line is that this legislation acts as a giant wealth transfer from the poor to the rich and the young to the old.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Maybe one day democracy really will bloom like wildflowers across the vast deserts of the Middle East, just as the neocons envisioned.
    Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Browsing Facebook for organizers of class reunions is an apt way to find a master node that can connect you to a vast network of people willing to talk.
    Brendan O’Meara June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Energy Prices The war between Israel and Iran had evoked fears of a regional conflict that results in massive civilian casualties, and disrupts the flow of energy and other trade through the region.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 22 June 2025
  • SpaceX's massive Starship exploded in a spectacular fiery blaze during a routine engine test in Texas – raising questions about what's next for Elon Musk's spaceflight company.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • With the tremendous uncertainty in the economy, CEOs need to establish budgetary exit ramps that would be fast and easy to implement.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • While there has been a tremendous amount of misinformation—and in some cases, outright lies—about my bill, many people brought forward sincere concerns.
    Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • And the Venus of Hohle Fels—the oldest undisputed depiction of a human being—was crafted out of mammoth ivory some 40,000 years ago.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 June 2025
  • Playing amid a heat wave in St. Louis, Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz vomited on the field before returning to launch a mammoth go-ahead home run.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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