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

Under, for the vast majority of the past 35 years or so, has barely even been close, let alone a gripping contest. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Dec. 2025

And elite business degrees are still worth their while; the vast majority of top MBA students are still locking in job offers soon after graduation. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025

Lottery players in Idaho can chose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. —Jay Cannon, USA Today, 21 Dec. 2025

Russia's peace terms have so far required Ukraine to give up vast swathes of territory, including some territory not already under Russian occupation. —Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025

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