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

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 vast While Britain, Argentina, Australia, Norway, France, New Zealand and Chile have long held territorial claims over the vast continent, since 1961 it has been governed by the Antarctic Treaty which guaranteed its use for peaceful purposes and scientific research. The Week Uk, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Live results:See more results for the 2024 general election In District 1, incumbent Gail Strange won the vast majority of votes against Mark Gatton and will likely retain her seat. Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 6 Nov. 2024 The vast majority of people who could benefit from hearing aids do not use them. Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 Just look at the tech sector: The vast majority of the world’s leading tech companies are based in the U.S., benefitting from robust early- and late-stage financing, an unmatched talent pool and a regulatory environment that—while imperfect—allows businesses to grow and thrive. Frank Holmes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vast 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The details of the deal aren’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of things for the franchise, but Moody inked a sweet contract and can play himself into even more money.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Here's a huge price drop on a very capable convertible Chromebook.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • At the bottom was a chain-link fence with an enormous hole.
    Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Warren Buffett’s iconic investment and holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, is shedding its stake in Apple, bite by byte, and building an enormous cash pile — $325 billion at the moment.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In Antarctica, sea ice surrounding the continent also buttresses gigantic ice sheets, slowing the flow of glacial ice into the ocean.
    Tom Yulsman, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
  • Invest in community colleges, where a gigantic proportion of American students are but where a lack of resources often thwarts their ambitions.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • This was a tremendous risk for the team, me as a leader, and the company.
    Mamie Jones, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • And so there’s a tremendous amount of pride and excitement about bringing this out into the world after spending seven years of our lives together telling these stories.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • But there’s also plenty to celebrate, including Beyoncé’s massive haul and Charli XCX’s surprise showing.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024
  • With its massive gravitational pull, Jupiter has altered the orbit of asteroids and comets for billions of years.
    Benjamin Roulston, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Even after a tribute video, highlighting many of his on- and off-court contributions to the team and community, was played on the giant halo video board, some fans cheered; most booed.
    Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024
  • In fact, there are also oases throughout the Arabian Desert where giant date farms produce more than 1.61 million tons a year from over 34 million date palms.
    Paul Feinstein, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The cost to the healthcare system is immense, but the real price is paid by the women themselves, who often feel unsupported and misunderstood.
    Lisa Falco, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Thousands of soldiers are working with firefighters and police reinforcements in the immense emergency response.
    Hernán Muñoz and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Here, colorful cabins contrast colossal ice cap backdrops and vibrant celestial phenomena light the sky.
    Yahya Salem, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
  • With two front wheels so close together, and a colossal engine between them and the rider's seat, conventional forks and regular steering was out of the question.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near vast

Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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