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

China is North Korea’s top economic lifeline, accounting for the vast majority of the country’s foreign trade, and has long ranked as Pyongyang’s most important diplomatic partner. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

That data is crucial to understanding and adapting to climate change and to a vast array of industries on land and at sea like aquaculture, shipping especially through icy waters, coastal tourism, agriculture and even navies, Le Traon said. —ABC News, 4 June 2026

In the second scenario, Viatris leverages its vast experience in late-stage development and commercialization to see a drug through Food and Drug Administration approval and a quick sales ramp. —Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 June 2026

The vast majority of e-chucks are made of ceramic — hence Toto’s seemingly random decision to add them to its portfolio. —Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 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