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 Its gigantic coal infrastructure, coal-to-chemical plants, and processing facilities could readily be adapted to handle the load. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026 Under the bridge, 11 different shark species and a gigantic grouper swim beneath your feet. Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 Yeah, add that to the long list of unsupported claims about these vaccines that have ranged from various anti-vaxxers asserting that the vaccines will turn you into a gigantic magnet to attributing seemingly every celebrity illness and death during the COVID-19 pandemic to the COVID-19 vaccines. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 There on the screen, staring back at me, are two gigantic black eyes and a mischievous smile stitched on a massive, crocheted head — features of the mysterious, endlessly cheeky mask that has become Chuyin’s signature. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for gigantic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gigantic
Adjective
  • Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The eighth-inning bomb was huge, too.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Then there was every journalist, every giant corporation, trying to chase the same story.
    Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • Sincere saunters into the villa wearing a tiny velour jacket and a giant winning smile that immediately puts me on guard.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Throughout the trial, stress took an enormous toll on Jackson, defense attorney Mark Geragos said in the docuseries.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
  • Regardless of any such warnings, expect enormous spending from unions, charter advocates, business interests and wealthy donors.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • With elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, the varied topography of the forest provides a vast playground suited for every season.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • This is a place defined by vast open spaces, minimal human footprint, and a profound sense of connection to nature.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mullin took over from former Secretary Kristi Noem in March after she was fired not long after lawmakers pressed her about the department’s massive spending.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The massive red-brick building opened in 1900 and 12 million immigrants passed through its halls before the island closed in 1954.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • In turn, entering large numbers of guesses requires a tremendous amount of time and computing resources, even when the cracking is performed using GPUs or special-purpose hardware.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
  • The 25th installment of the Tribeca Festival runs June 3-14 throughout New York City, boasting a tremendous music slate, with icons including Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire and Peter Frampton premiering music films.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Through the glass windows of the colossal open kitchen, guests can watch Singita’s sous chefs in action—they’re also welcome to barge right in and watch (and help in) the preparation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • The colossal patty, mostly ribeye augmented by short rib and chuck, is cooked medium rare, tender and juicy without getting mushy or soggy.
    Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • China insulated itself from the oil shortfalls and rationing of neighboring countries in large part because of its mammoth crude stockpiles – prescient fuel warehousing that the government built up well before the war broke out.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • San Antonio’s phenom finished that win over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a mammoth 41 points and 24 rebounds.
    Esfandiar Baraheni, New York Times, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Gigantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gigantic. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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