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
  • Though conditions are more acute in Myanmar due to the civil war, experts warn the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz could also dent rice production across the region – with potentially huge shocks for food security.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
  • Just to switch gears for a second, the 2025-2026 season had some huge roster changes.
    Arushi Jacob, Variety, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The company said powerful AI systems require enormous computing resources, most of which still depend on chips designed by American and allied firms.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • The Maxwells are enormous and heavy, with their massive 90mm drivers, while the Omnis are smaller and lighter, weighing nearly 340 grams.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 14 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
  • The choice is vast, yet experienced brokers are quick to point out that specifications alone rarely determine a successful charter.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
  • But that’s not how mob boss Semion Bogoyavich (Victor Ptak), who controls a vast criminal network, operates.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 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
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • The tunnel was built after careful planning and executed with tremendous effort.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • In Louisiana, those numbers pale in comparison to what the state is offering to just one company, Meta, to build the Hyperion, a mammoth $10 billion data center currently under construction in Richland Parish, La.
    Jake Angelo, Fortune, 14 May 2026
  • The mammoth two-out blast, on a two-strike count, soared over the scoreboard in center field.
    Daily News, Daily News, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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