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Synonym Chooser

How is the word immense distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of immense are colossal, enormous, gigantic, huge, mammoth, and vast. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," 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 colossal be a better fit than immense?

Although the words colossal and immense have much in common, colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

When can gigantic be used instead of immense?

While in some cases nearly identical to immense, gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When is huge a more appropriate choice than immense?

While the synonyms huge and immense are close in meaning, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

Where would mammoth be a reasonable alternative to immense?

The words mammoth and immense can be used in similar contexts, but mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When could vast be used to replace immense?

The words vast and immense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 immense Cooper grew up in the gym with Ralph At a young age, Cooper showed immense promise on the basketball court. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 25 June 2025 Certainly their general partners, Russia and China, have immense cyber capability. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 24 June 2025 The Trump administration's move to end protections for 58 million acres of national forests will open up the federal lands to immense destruction, according to environmental advocates. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 June 2025 The immense gravity of this cluster acts as a natural magnifying glass, bending and amplifying light coming from much more distant, ancient galaxies behind it. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Last week’s Senate Finance Committee draft bill acknowledges this reality and, in contrast to the House version, offers a pragmatic approach to phasing out the clean energy credits, recognizing that businesses signed contracts and made enormous capital decisions based on current law.
    John Ketchum, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • The group wields enormous influence setting vaccine policy in the United States, including which vaccines will be covered by insurance.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • With the right combination of a digital sales and service platform and people, financial institutions can create seamless, personalized experiences while driving greater efficiency and long-term growth.
    Deep Varma, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • As a team, the Thunder’s biggest flaw in Game 6 was the vast difference in turnover margin, which Indiana took advantage of.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • Browsing Facebook for organizers of class reunions is an apt way to find a master node that can connect you to a vast network of people willing to talk.
    Brendan O’Meara June 23, Literary Hub, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Along the way, there have been some other expressions as well, including single barrel, barrel-proof whiskeys, a series of excellent cask-strength American single malts, and rye whiskeys made with different grain varietals.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
  • This would not have been possible without tireless work from our excellent lawyers @TheJusticeDept and our Solicitor General John Sauer.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • With the tremendous uncertainty in the economy, CEOs need to establish budgetary exit ramps that would be fast and easy to implement.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Kling, who grew up in Kansas and turns 68 in October, has overseen a period of tremendous growth for the city.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Three seasons in, The Gilded Age has barely explored its huge cast of servant characters.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
  • Porto nearly doubled the lead in the 39th minute with a point-blank shot from Rodrigo Mora, but Miami defender Maxi Falcon made a huge clearance at the line with his head after the ball had slipped by goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Beyond features a farewell to Nimoy’s Spock and an image of Shatner’s crew from The Undiscovered Country, and otherwise has terrific character moments (particularly between Quinto and Karl Urban) and great action beats (like Kirk saving the day with the help of the Beastie Boys).
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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