mammoth 1 of 2

mammoth

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word mammoth distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of mammoth are colossal, enormous, gigantic, huge, immense, and vast. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When might colossal be a better fit than mammoth?

Although the words colossal and mammoth have much in common, 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 mammoth?

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 would gigantic be a good substitute for mammoth?

The words gigantic and mammoth can be used in similar contexts, but gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When can huge be used instead of mammoth?

In some situations, the words huge and mammoth are roughly equivalent. However, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

Where would vast be a reasonable alternative to mammoth?

The meanings of vast and mammoth largely overlap; 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 mammoth
Adjective
Indonesian officials have warned that time is running out to reach those still alive as the mammoth rescue operation entered its third day on Wednesday. Helen Regan, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025 The team analyzed 483 genomic datasets from mammoth remains, including teeth, skulls, molars, and even skin. Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Identification of microbes The team used genomic and bioinformatic techniques to analyze the remains of woolly and steppe mammoths. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2025 That would make sense if all Columbian mammoths clustered together with the Mexican ones. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mammoth
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mammoth
Adjective
  • The Barbie movie in was a gigantic smash in 2023; additional Mattel IP includes Hot Wheels, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, Polly Pocket and Barney.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Now it’s happened, and Penn State is paying a gigantic sum to go find a different coach.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Driftwood tent shelters appear marooned like shipwrecks, and the beach is scattered with the bones of the giant whales.
    Chloe Berge, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In recent years, activists focused on the fate of Lolita, an orca whale held captive in a shallow pool for more than a half-century.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But Ayton has skill, a silky jumper, smooth footwork and a giant frame that can block off the paint on the other end.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Rescuing the city required the cooperation of the state of New York, the banks, the city workers unions, giant property owners and … the White House.
    NPR, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • But this may be the first tech revolution that doesn’t vaporize the dinosaurs, the way mobile killed Nokia and threatened Microsoft, but grafts their DNA onto something new.
    Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Same for the life-size dinosaur that took over Manhattan ahead of the release of Jurassic World Rebirth.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s sweeping new restrictions, some of which won’t take effect until November, could deal a huge blow to East Asian economies, such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, which play critical roles in the global tech and artificial intelligence supply chain, as well as the auto industries.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The Chiefs won a huge game, and Reid played a huge role in putting them in position.
    Sam McDowell October 13, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Frankenstein's monster is a tortured fellow who's not a big fan of flames.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The same trigger the player would use to shoot a gun is used to throw Poké Balls at unsuspecting monsters, and there’s never been a mechanic in a Pokémon game that feels as immersive.
    Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • But one scholar, Anthony Grafton, who about thirty years ago published Forgers and Critics, focused on how in the early modern period, there was this enormous flourishing not only of culture but also of liars.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The level of detail is enormous, but Newcastle’s story remains intimate and there is something profound about Moore filling this role in this of all places.
    George Caulkin, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Then the older elephants — Ndlula, Umngani, Khosi — scramble to encircle and shield the two 7-year-old calves Zuli and Mkhaya from any possible threats.
    Nina Græger, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The whole thing was 0nce an old British hunting outpost, built for grand hunting parties with elephants, silverware, and crates of champagne carried through thick jungle by unnamed brown men.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mammoth.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mammoth. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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