VAST Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vast

adjective

ˈvast

Definition of vast next

as in huge

unusually large a vast expanse of land just waiting to be settled

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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 The post — which has already received more than 2,000 comments as of Dec. 7 — generated much discussion among Reddit users, with the vast majority of commenters coming to the man’s defense. —

Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024 The 2024 underground wonderland offers a unique holiday experience with more than seven million points of light illuminating the cavern’s vast spaces. —

Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 6 Dec. 2024 In addition to the park’s paved roads, there is a vast network of dirt roads, many of which require a four-wheel-drive vehicle. —

Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2024 Crookes And Jackson Stretching from the Rift Valley to the slopes of Mount Kenya, the vast Laikipia Plateau is a compelling alternative to the Masai Mara—where overcrowding can impact the wilderness experience, especially during the peak of the migration. —

Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast

Adjective

This, unsurprisingly, has led to a huge online backlash, with many people furiously making memes and posting about this turn of events.

Callum Booth, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Her yearlong renovation included the addition of custom millwork, wide-plank flooring, and air-conditioning necessitated by the huge south-facing window that floods the space with sunlight.

Michael Boodro, Architectural Digest, 16 Dec. 2024