Definition of giganticnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word gigantic distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of gigantic are colossal, enormous, huge, immense, mammoth, and vast. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When is colossal a more appropriate choice than gigantic?

The words colossal and gigantic can be used in similar contexts, but colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

How do enormous and immense relate to one another, in the sense of gigantic?

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 might huge be a better fit than gigantic?

While the synonyms huge and gigantic are close in meaning, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

When could mammoth be used to replace gigantic?

While in some cases nearly identical to gigantic, mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When can vast be used instead of gigantic?

In some situations, the words vast and gigantic are roughly equivalent. However, 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 gigantic It's organized into a gigantic, intricate network, much like a spider's web. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026 The Anterselva Biathlon Arena is a legit sporting stadium, with thousands of permanent seats, a gigantic video board, VIP seating areas and a vast network of tunnels connecting it all. Zack Pierce, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2026 But this was a gigantic king tide! John Ramos, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026 Or in Victoria Beckham's case, all three—and 12 other gigantic sparklers (more on that below). Christina Perrier, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gigantic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gigantic
Adjective
  • The residences are huge, and the life is peaceful – at least west of Kyiv.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The Gardens are relatively easy to navigate, but huge and sprawling.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And beyond the wall of the main dining room, the second dining area has been turned into a giant food pantry, with neighbors bringing everything from toilet paper to beans to ramen to help feed people who are afraid to leave their homes.
    Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 26 Feb. 2026
  • And the Sphere, a giant well…sphere…an orb-like atrium in the middle of the ship that’s three decks high and protrudes from both sides of the vessel like a pregnant belly.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Naturalists will take to the property's enormous, 116-year-old Indian banyan tree.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
  • Her fluent Mandarin also gives her access to an enormous market in China, where her face is splashed across billboards and television screens.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Aid groups say the true war death toll could be many times higher, as the fighting in vast and remote areas impedes access.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The sponsors said the vast majority of Floridians would have their citizenship checked seamlessly by matching the voter registration database with REAL ID records maintained by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state driver license agency.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The figures came as investors appear increasingly anxious about both the demand for AI amid massive spending from tech giants, and how the tech’s widespread use could upend industries like software.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The effort comes after claims of fraud involving day care centers run by Somali residents in Minneapolis prompted a massive immigration crackdown in the Midwestern city, resulting in widespread protests.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There is a tremendous drive to acquire money to support the work of faculty and staff.
    Brian Herman, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026
  • As in most deals that appear to be too good to be true, there is a tremendous cost to this tax credit program.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The agreement is the latest step in a colossal spending spree by Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026
  • His college career ended with a colossal what-if when McCoy exited the 2009 BCS Championship game against Alabama with an injury.
    SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The mammoth, winding sauna next door can hold up to 35 people.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Back in 2023, students at schools in Alaska learned about mammoth bone samples.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gigantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gigantic. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on gigantic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster