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 Set on a colossal ceramic plate crafted by a local architect, and supported internally with steel tubes, this event set a Guinness World Record, solidifying the country’s enthusiasm for the dip. Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 June 2026 Neolithic peoples, with limited technology, would have had to travel impressive distances to move such a colossal megalith over 435 miles, as researchers determined that the stone originated from the Orcadian Basin in northeastern Scotland. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 June 2026 And SpaceX isn't the only colossal market debut investors are now bracing for. CBS News, 4 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • Miami knows a variety of sports on a gigantic scale more than most big cities.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • And two, the logo is ugly and gigantic.
    Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Those tours largely became about Son, attracting huge crowds to games and fan events.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
  • Meta, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft all run very profitable businesses, and can afford these huge capital outlays.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • That would be an enormous lift to Green Bay’s offense, as Kraft was having an All-Pro level season in 2025 before tearing his ACL.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • And that set off an enormous race, and then of course a trajectory of many labs adopting the technology for all kinds of applications.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • The museum’s centerpiece is the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, the nation’s only surviving shipyard from the large wooden vessel era and the site where the giant schooner Wyoming was built.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
  • According to this theory, those now-extinct megafauna—the giant ground sloths and the giant beavers, the mastodons and mammoths, and even the lions and dire wolves—were relatively quickly hunted to extinction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Yet vast price increases can also be found in New Jersey in hotels close to MetLife Stadium, which will host Brazil’s opening group-stage fixture against Morocco on June 13.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 10 Dec. 2025
  • While the truce has largely held, also protecting Saudi Arabia and the UAE from unprecedented missile and drone strikes launched by Ansar Allah on their own territory, the group directed its vast arsenal widely suspected to be provided by Iran elsewhere two years later.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • The disappearance of a campground employee in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, has prompted a massive search, authorities said.
    Michael Guise, CBS News, 11 June 2026
  • The suite came equipped with a family-style dining table, kitchenette, massive sectional couch, and—best of all—a terrace featuring a private infinity pool that looked out into the ocean.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Stroud made a tremendous play on third-and-3 as Chiefs star defensive lineman Chris Jones, who already sacked him in this game, was barreling down looking for another.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Lemon’s had a tremendous junior year with 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 TDs for the Trojans, and was just named a Biletnikoff Award finalist.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Other mammoth rehab projects in the works nearby are expected to help fill vacant offices and revive aging skyscrapers with new apartments and hotel rooms.
    Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
  • The event will take place in a mammoth, claw-like outdoor arena that will spotlight the White House in the background.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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