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 Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, has correspondingly gigantic storms, with some of these lasting for centuries. Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026 Something else Krasley observed was that the factories didn’t embark on one gigantic, expensive retrofit, but rather took a stepwise approach to accumulating cooling improvements that was easier on their bottom lines. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2026 The Space Launch System (SLS) is the gigantic rocket NASA developed specifically for its Artemis lunar program, which the agency's ambitious campaign to put astronauts back on the moon for the first time since 1972. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 Her trademark mix of stratospheric vocals, whiplash sound design, and electronic beats is in full force, her gigantic productions embellished by co-producers James Ford and Hudson Mohawke, with Jacques Greene among the additional producers. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gigantic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gigantic
Adjective
  • There are some really great ones on the market these days, a huge advancement past the egg crate toppers our parents used.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Nola said he was unfazed by taking the mound with a huge lead.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Primarily considered a test mission, Artemis II could represent a giant step toward NASA's goal of returning astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo missions came to an end in 1972.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Over the past two years, restaurant and takeout costs have climbed at a faster pace than grocery channels, according to consulting giant McKinsey.
    John Kell, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Of particular concern, the organization took steps to hide its money in shell political action committees and coordinated donations via individual donors while the candidates who benefited often feigned ignorance about enormous donations and expenditures.
    Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
  • These events require enormous investments of time, money, space, and collective labor.
    Raphael Fonseca, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hill said his ability to read an offense comes from his vast experience.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The oil industry amounts to a vast program of oil relocation and transformation.
    Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For larger groups or families, the already massive two-bedroom penthouse can become a three-bedroom behemoth thanks to an optional adjoining suite.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • His Iran deal would have led to a colossal arsenal of massive nuclear weapons for Iran.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Scientists postulate that dolphins’ social nature and seeming empathy can release chemical endorphins in people who interact with them, creating a tremendous feeling of well-being.
    David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
  • First, this is a tremendous blow to Kristi, who can’t hold a job.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In order to get the money for these unprecedented projects, data-center providers are beginning to take on colossal amounts of debt.
    Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Brecher's image reveals the 30-light-year-wide emission nebula NGC 2359, whose bubble-like form was sculpted by the stellar wind blasting out from the colossal Wolf-Rayet star at its heart.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Aside from being the largest single retailer in the business district, at nearly 25,000 square feet, the bookstore had a mammoth replica of Frederic Remington’s sculpture The Bronco Buster popping through the second story.
    Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Now most of the great passenger railroads have withered and died, and they have been replaced by Amtrak, which has mammoth troubles of its own.
    Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gigantic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gigantic. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on gigantic

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