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 New satellite imagery shows Iran reinforcing a vast underground complex near the country's main uranium enrichment site, according to an analysis by the Institute for Science and International Security. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025 Three hundred and sixty-two U.S. troops died, according to the National WWII Museum, and the vast majority of the casualties were Japanese service members. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025 Hegseth has faced questions from the time of his surprising nomination about his judgment and ability to manage the vast Department of Defense. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2025 The vast majority of skeptics were far less forgiving. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • Scammers convince you to take cash to a bitcoin ATM Her story highlights one huge red flag that consumers must watch out for these days — how scammers are convincing you to take cash to a crypto ATM at the local party store, gas station or grocery.
    Susan Tompor, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The overall approach—making scientists prove why mining shouldn’t happen in specific parts of a huge area, without the data to do so—frustrated scientists.
    Christian Elliott, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jaguars kicked off the night with a bang, executing an enormous trade to move up for Hunter.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Leeds, as Farke has been only too happy to point out, is an enormous, emotional beast of an organisation.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Bucks predictably got a massive game from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored 36 points to go with 12 rebounds, but the absence of their point guard, Lillard, was a gigantic blow.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • But seeing the slow nature of gigantic bureaucratic machines such as these, this is not enough to move beyond policy to practice.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Saints received a tremendous pop from the crowd to begin the Stand & Deliver card.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So-so athlete, but a tremendous leader who was voted captain by his team each of the last two seasons.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In Season 1, Cassian was part of a massive prison break and an insurrection against Imperial forces in his home of Ferrix.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Losing 15% of a paycheck or a lump-sum tax refund can be a massive setback for a family living paycheck to paycheck.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Volunteers stirred giant pots of steaming lentils one recent afternoon as people formed a line to receive their portions.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Potential Risks: An MRI machine is, at its core, a giant magnet, and therefore the highest risk potential of receiving a scan is making sure there isn’t any metal in or on your body.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The group had a concert the evening prior, which would put a strain on their voices, as their songs are intense and require immense vocal control.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Cena was the undisputed face of WWE for over a decade, a period of immense success for both the performer and the company, largely under McMahon's leadership and guidance.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Institute said while dying adults have previously been filmed by fishermen, the colossal squid have never been seen alive at depth.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • On the season’s closing days, skiers and riders take their turn gaining speed down to the base of the slope, bending their knees and water skiing over a lake, pond or colossal puddle, just hoping to absorb the shock on the other side.
    Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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