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 Phillips fits the archetype that the Red Sox have sought since Craig Breslow took over, namely gigantic physical specimens with the tools to handle big innings and big velocity. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025 His Valère wears seafoam blue and a gigantic turquoise hat, and glides onstage like a mid-century talk-show host, his voice at once booming and soothing. Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025 Emily has brought Chekhov’s gigantic suede platform shoes to wear to work, despite Rome famously being covered in cobblestones. Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025 The film also shifts periodically to another non-human perspective – that of the gigantic observatories themselves as the donkeys clop, clop, clop their way around them. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for gigantic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gigantic
Adjective
  • Clara Silva’s defense was huge, with the sophomore center having multiple blocks and making the Sun Devils consider and reconsider every shot at the rim.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Workers are rapidly being asked to apply human judgment and insight to a huge load of content that AI is generating for them, and historically, those types of skillsets take 10 years to build, said Aashna Kircher, group general manager for the office of the CHRO at Workday.
    Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The space station's main truss and two giant solar arrays can be seen, as well as the blue arc of the Earth below.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Reminders of the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup are everywhere, like in the giant photo of William Karlsson clutching the Cup above the entrance to the practice facility in Summerlin.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The deep dive into the Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein director, who will turn 100 in June, features interviews with collaborators and acolytes like Rob Reiner and Judd Apatow, who recount his spectacular rise to fame and enormous influence.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Hypersonic flight has enormous military and civilian potential.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Open my soul to the vast dark places.
    Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Both nations boast vast petroleum reserves and extensive mineral wealth, long positioning themselves as anti-imperialist adversaries of the US.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If a carrier were to run out of money in the event of a massive earthquake, the California Insurance Guarantee Association would chip in the money to cover any outstanding claims.
    Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The multi-hyphenate paired the slouchy, pocketed sweater with a fabulously massive fur scarf and a pair of shiny white pants.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Here currently in the United States backed by the courts, the legislative branch and the Justice Department, our president has acquired tremendous power.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The light beam distance of 80 meters, or approximately 260 feet, provides a tremendous field of view from three different LEDs.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The colossal triumphal arch is over 160 feet tall and took roughly 30 years to complete.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Along the banks, the giants of Amazonia, the sentinel royal palms and the colossal domed kapoks, rose above a confusion of trunks, reeds, and trailing vines.
    Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Selling the hotel was BioMed Realty, a San Diego firm that is focused more on the life science and technology industries, although BioMed is owned by Blackstone, a mammoth private equity firm that does invest in hotels.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
  • That’s a mammoth 150% increase over the previous year.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gigantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gigantic. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.

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