immense

adjective

im·mense | \ i-ˈmen(t)s

Definition of immense

1 : marked by greatness especially in size or degree especially : transcending ordinary means of measurement the immense universe

2 : supremely good

Other Words from immense Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about immense

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Choose the Right Synonym for immense

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth mean exceedingly large. 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 huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount. incurred a huge debt vast usually suggests immensity of extent. the vast Russian steppes gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind. a gigantic sports stadium colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions. a colossal statue of Lincoln mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk. a mammoth boulder

Did You Know?

Just how big is something if it is immense? Huge? Colossal? Humongous? Ginormous? Or merely enormous? "Immense" is often used as a synonym of all of the above and, as such, can simply function as yet another way for English speakers to say "really, really, really big." "Immense" is also used, however, in a sense which goes beyond merely really, really, really big to describe something that is so great in size or degree that it transcends ordinary means of measurement. This sense harks back to the original sense of "immense" as something which is so tremendously big that it has not or cannot be measured. This sense reflects the word's roots in the Latin immensus, from "in-" ("un-") and "mensus," the past participle of "metiri" ("to measure").

Examples of immense in a Sentence

He inherited an immense fortune. She is an artist of immense talent.

Recent Examples on the Web

The psychological pressure on the kid to perform would be immense! — Dami Lee, The Verge, "Sennheiser wants you to slap a giant wireless mic on your kids to record precious moments," 1 Aug. 2018 Lascelles has been immense at the back for the Magpies this season, and following the introduction of the confident and communicative Dubravka behind them, Florian Lejeune really came into his own too. — SI.com, "Jamaal Lascelles Will Be Subject to Big Money Bids This Summer, But Newcastle Simply Cannot Sell Him," 7 June 2018 The impact on sea life has been immense, said John Calvelli, the leader of Give a Sip campaign. — NBC News, "Plastic straws clog the ocean and hurt fish. Now there's a growing movement to ban them.," 26 May 2018 In the long term, however, the expectations are immense. — Andy Vasquez, USA TODAY, "Jets training camp questions: Is Sam Darnold ready to grab starting QB job?," 22 June 2018 Critics say the government was not honest about the immense impacts the projects would have. — Mark Stevenson, Fox News, "Protesters: New Mexico City airport will hurt environment," 23 Aug. 2018 The overarching theme of the afternoon focused on the UJA-Federation's charitable efforts, as well as those of Ek and Carter and their their immense impact on the music industry at large. — Rob Ledonne, Billboard, "Daniel Ek, Troy Carter Honored as UJA-Federation's Music Visionaries of the Year," 12 June 2018 The shift from wood to coal, however, would not be stopped, and Rhodes traces how this transition rippled across society, leading to new technologies that would, over time, have immense impact. — David R. Baker, San Francisco Chronicle, "‘Energy: A Human History,’ by Richard Rhodes," 7 June 2018 Capela had an immense impact on Houston’s offense during the first two rounds of the postseason, while Ariza and Tucker give Harden and Paul shooting outlets. — Rohan Nadkarni, SI.com, "The Rockets May Need to Ride ‘Tuckwagon’ to Success Against Warriors," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'immense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.