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 nothing in Marrero’s speech signaled undertaking significant changes at the speed required by the country’s colossal economic problems. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 16 July 2025 Coming Thursday Part 4 | The Super Bowl: Questionable calls and a colossal Panther collapse, but — ultimately — gratitude. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025 Intelsat has been playing a leading role in both of these globe-changing breakthroughs, with its colossal cutting-edge satellites beaming broadband internet connections to expanding waves of users across the planet, including hotspots that have been decimated by armed conflicts. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 The nights surrounding the first quarter moon phase on July 2 present a good opportunity to spot colossal 'X' and 'V' features emblazoned on the lunar surface. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • As the creature lowers a gigantic foot to squash the dog, Superman swoops in to save the precious pup.
    Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
  • These few minutes with the whale sharks are the culmination of a year’s planning, a gigantic logistical effort to shadow a giant.
    Matthew Abbott, New York Times, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • On Thursday, Israel’s military took journalists to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing where hundreds of boxes of aid were on pallets filling a huge lot.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Powering spacecraft, especially out in the dark, cold outer solar system, is a huge challenge.
    Space.com Staff, Space.com, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • After Assad fell, Israel swiftly launched an enormous countrywide air campaign targeting the remnants of his military stockpiles.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Among the projects will be the construction of data centers to help provide the enormous amounts of energy needed to power AI.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • The centerpiece, called the Sun Room, featured three giant windows that offered a peerless view into the gorge and its colors of salmon, coral, saffron and blood orange.
    Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Vela and Carina are parts of what was once a giant constellation called Argo, the ship of Jason.
    Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • At least 2,000 others will come from the Army National Guard, the vast majority of whom serve on a part-time, volunteer basis.
    Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The vast majority spoke out against the redistricting effort, with just a few speakers supporting new lines mid-decade.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 July 2025
Adjective
  • Some donors continue to feel bitter about the massive amounts of money spent by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and the Biden/Harris aligned super PAC Future Forward.
    Max Tani, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
  • This was a massive premiere for Paramount+, combining the charismatic Billy Bob Thornton with a traditionally blue collar Taylor Sheridan storyline.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • This ordeal lasted years and took a tremendous toll on his personal life.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • Especially with the tremendous strides which can be traced back to The East.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Atlanta trailed 3-0 Sunday before Matt Olson’s 442-foot sixth-inning homer, and Ronald Acuña Jr. added a mammoth 456-foot homer in the ninth.
    David O'Brien, New York Times, 21 July 2025
  • The famously independent-minded and opinionated showrunner left Los Angeles years ago and now resides at his mammoth 270,000-acre Texas ranch.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

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