COLOSSAL Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

colossal

adjective

kə-ˈlä-səl

Definition of colossal next

as in gigantic

unusually large a colossal statue of the town's founder

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 Arriving 66° south for five days of Antarctica’s Narnia-like landscape will be one for the family memory bank, with colossal glaciers, sparkling icebergs, and an abundance of wildlife. —

Kerry Spencer, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Dec. 2024 It was thought that the Yankees would pursue former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames if Soto signed elsewhere, but the San Francisco Giants snatched him Saturday night on a colossal seven-year, $182 million deal. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 But those numbers don’t come close to the colossal total earned in ticket sales: $2,077,618,725. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Dec. 2024 Tightening the sanctions noose would make Moscow’s colossal war effort less financially sustainable, and with the prospect of a sputtering war machine and domestic discontent over deteriorating economic conditions, Putin may feel pressure to accept terms more favorable to Ukraine. —

Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for colossal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for colossal

Adjective

Yet another, a gigantic bib of turquoise and malachite beads, yellow and white diamonds, cushion-cut yellow sapphire, and a cushion aquamarine, pays homage to the covert watch necklace with an upside-down timepiece pendant dangling at the end of it.

Shannon Adducci, Robb Report, 6 Dec. 2024
With the baseball world heading to Dallas for the Winter Meetings on Sunday, one gigantic question is hovering over the Yankees and the rest of the league: where will Juan Soto sign?

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024