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 Keep scrolling to shop more Nordstrom Memorial Day deals or check out the department store’s colossal sale section for even more discounts. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 At a moment when analysts are warning about an unprecedented supply shock, with a fifth of global supply at risk, why are billionaires launching colossal rockets into space? Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 But the best way to get to the heart of this colossal place is to learn about the Grand Canyon’s role as a major sacred site to Native Americans. Matt Bell, AFAR Media, 19 May 2026 At the center lies a colossal 18,000-square-foot contemporary mansion designed by acclaimed architect Arturo Ponce de Leon and built by MCA. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for colossal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal
Adjective
  • 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
  • That company-wide deficit in profitability could potentially raises questions about it will fund its gigantic requirement for the capex required to deliver on its promise make its AI side a supreme winner.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 23 May 2026
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
  • Farmers are now hoping federal assistance will help offset some of the enormous financial losses.
    Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 28 May 2026
  • While technology will be the centerpiece, the facility — tentatively named the Connecticut Center for Applied AI — won’t have enormous banks of computer servers or the high-capacity energy and cooling systems that are trademarks of data centers.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Here in the States, Korean giant LG is best known for appliances like refrigerators and TVs—but the best LG Beauty products prove that the brand is a force in the K-beauty universe, too.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
  • The giant longhorn bull statue that has stood outside 612 University Drive for 25 years will move to Fred’s Texas Cafe after J&J closes May 30, Fred’s boss Quincy Wallace announced.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Thus whoever wins Chicago’s mayoral election next year almost certainly will be dealing with Pritzker as governor for the vast majority of their term.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
  • Built from the bones of a 12th-century hostelry, its hub is a vast, glamorous lounge bar complete with mixologists shaking modern-day mocktails under the ancient beams.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Right-back was a massive headache, with midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Jones both played out of position there.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • In the end, efforts to cool the crippled tank by spraying water on it were believed to have helped slow down the reaction enough to prevent an explosion or massive rupture in the tank that could have sent toxic chemicals flowing into waterways and the ocean.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Black entrepreneurs continue to face tremendous obstacles securing funding, city contracts and institutional support.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • The dynamic came up again after a visit to Ultium Cells, a mammoth factory in Warren, Ohio, where General Motors and LG Energy Solution are building batteries for electric vehicles.
    Garrett Downs, CNBC, 28 May 2026
  • Parts of SpaceX, as the company looks to raise as much as a mammoth $80 billion in its IPO, remain close to the chest.
    Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Colossal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colossal. Accessed 30 May. 2026.

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