Synonym Chooser

How is the word vast distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vast are colossal, enormous, gigantic, huge, immense, and mammoth. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

When might colossal be a better fit than vast?

The words colossal and vast 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 vast?

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

Where would gigantic be a reasonable alternative to vast?

Although the words gigantic and vast have much in common, gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When could huge be used to replace vast?

The synonyms huge and vast are sometimes interchangeable, but huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

When would mammoth be a good substitute for vast?

The meanings of mammoth and vast largely overlap; however, mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

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 vast This is because the latter type of signal is low-power and unlikely to be detected at vast distances. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2025 This vast increase in the IEP requirements has led to the second problem. Vincent Turley, Hartford Courant, 21 Aug. 2025 Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is a vast property that can hold its own alongside some of the finest hotels on the Vegas Strip. Demarco Williams, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 The good-hearted yet hard-living NFL chief was equally known for his vast collection of music and sports memorabilia, which is highlighted by guitars that once belonged to rock legends the likes of Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, George Harrison, and Prince. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • By then the nation is forecast to be facing a huge spike in power outages if sufficient new energy is not released into the U.S. electric grid.
    Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • American Taylor Townsend plays Czech Barbora Krejčíková in the fourth round of the U.S. Open women’s singles tournament on Sunday, but regardless of the result, the fourth Grand Slam of the year has already been a huge win for Townsend.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Stans — a music documentary about iconic rapper Eminem and how his songs have resonated with his enormous fan base — is coming to streaming this week.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Investigators suspect that cooling towers – which use water to cool enormous buildings and then release mist into the air – are the origin of the disease-causing bacteria, Legionella.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If confirmed, this finding would mean the gigantic blue-green ice planet would have 29 moons.
    Jorge Garay, Wired News, 22 Aug. 2025
  • His gigantic pants, shin pads and elbow pads are all bespoke, too.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Bypassing retailers can give brands a tremendous advantage in the form of access, not just to customers, but to the patterns in their behavior that is now directly usable to iterate and innovate.
    Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • After making a tremendous mistake that triggers the French and Indian War, an ambitious 22-year-old George Washington must face his failures and find the courage to become the leader that will forge a nation.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The cameras alert drivers of all surrounding objects and vehicles, so parking the massive SUV is a breeze.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Prior to McEntire taking the stage, as a massive red countdown clock ticked back toward showtime, a DJ played a medley of country and pop hits, turning the volume down during key phrases to let the crowd take over singing duties.
    Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Before the festival, students at Escuela Verde in Silver City will create the photo collage that will be added to the giant letters, Bautch said.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Analysts say the tariffs broadside from Trump has pushed Modi into making some concessions towards China and cautiously embrace Xi at a time when the two giant neighbors had already been exploring an improvement of their frosty ties.
    Ivan Watson, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Large data centers require immense amounts of electricity and water. Data Centers: Indiana is betting big on data centers, but will Hoosiers end up footing the bill?
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond direct penalties, the opportunity costs are immense, as remediation efforts displace strategic initiatives and slow innovation.
    Nosa Omoigui, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • With downtime costing Fortune 500 companies approximately 11% of yearly turnover—a colossal $1.5 trillion—the ROI on maintenance optimization has never been clearer.
    Chris Turlica, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
  • First came a colossal eruption off the sun's southeastern limb, caught in stunning detail by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and NOAA's GOES-SUVI instrument.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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