vast

1 of 2

adjective

ˈvast 

: very great in size, amount, degree, intensity, or especially in extent or range

vast knowledge

a vast expanse

vastness

ˈvas(t)-nəs 

noun

vast

2 of 2

noun

: a boundless space

… the vast of heaven …

—John Milton

Synonyms of vast

Adjective

• huge
• enormous
• gigantic
• tremendous
• massive
• giant
• immense
• colossal
• mammoth
• monumental
• astronomical
• mountainous
• sizable

Choose the Right Synonym for vast

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

Examples of vast in a Sentence

Adjective

She has a vast amount of knowledge on this subject.

The policy is supported by the vast majority of citizens.

a vast expanse of land

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The vast majority of them had an incredible spring. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026

The vast multi-room establishment—set within a five-story atrium in the center of the hotel—evokes cozy romance at every turn, swathed in marble busts, vibrant floral arrangements, and intricate wall carvings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026

The industry is vast and chaotic. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026

Her father was also a vast collector of African music, exposing her to musicians like Nigerian legend Fela Kuti and Cape Verdean singer Cesária Évora. —Chinonso Ihekire, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin vāstus or vastus "devoid of habitation, desolate, dreary," also, "of great size, immense," probably in part continuing Indo-European *h₁u̯eh₂-sto- (whence Old High German wuosti "empty, deserted," Old English wēste, Old Irish fás), in part conflated with another base *wast- of uncertain origin

Noun

noun derivative of vast entry 1, perhaps by analogy with deep entry 1, deep entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vast

• bast
• blast
• cast
• caste
• classed
• clast
• fast
• gassed
• gast
• glassed
• grassed
• hast

Kids Definition

vast

adjective

ˈvast

: very great in extent, size, amount, degree, or intensity

a vast stretch of desert

vast knowledge

vastly adverb

vastness

ˈvas(t)-nəs

noun