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 of vast in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clark’s name isn’t very familiar even to committed true crime aficionados, and that’s probably because his story is so vast, complex, and frankly insane. Kelly Goodner, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2024 Number of Shades: Four Finishes: Matte, satin, and shimmer Best For: With a vast array of finishes and colors, there’s a Chanel Les 4 Ombres palette for any occasion. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2024 Former Olympic snowboarder wanted in US drug trafficking case A former Olympic snowboarder for Canada has been charged with running a drug trafficking ring that shipped vast amounts of cocaine across the Americas, authorities said Thursday. Alexandra Banner, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 Since then, our lives have become our top priority, and smart companies have learned to wrap their companies around their employees’ lives, as opposed to the traditional work environment where employees suit up and cube up in a vast office universe. Colin C. Campbell, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for vast 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vast.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near vast

Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on vast

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