Definition of vastnext

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vast Known for its ancient giant sequoias and vast mountains to explore, Sequoia National Park is often overlooked as a spot to visit when compared to Yosemite. Noe Padilla, USA Today, 8 May 2026 The vast majority of the thefts have happened at one postal location, and both victims and authorities are concerned that the crime could be an inside job involving postal employees. J.d. Miles, CBS News, 8 May 2026 His father arrived in Britain with his parents as refugees from Germany in the late 1930s, having been forced to leave behind a vast fortune created by his great-grandfather, a billionaire steel tycoon. Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 8 May 2026 Roughly the size of Western Europe, Mongolia is vast—the world’s 18th-largest country, in fact—and largely rural. Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • Again and again worked Friday night for Blanco, who produced an RBI and triple for Oak Lawn in that huge third to spark a 22-6 victory over host Crete-Monee in five innings in Crete.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • That will also be a huge difference from the Orbán regime, when there was no responsibility or consequences of any crime, any political mistake.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • In the past few years, Russia, at an enormous cost to its own forces, made steady advances on the battlefield (most estimates suggest more than a million Russian soldiers have been killed or injured since the start of the conflict).
    Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Ferrari has set itself an enormous challenge.
    Andrew Rice, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Another executive said any potential trade package would be gigantic.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • Upside-down performers hang from a gigantic bell, clanging their torsos against the metal.
    Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • First, the incoming object blasted material outward at tremendous speed, excavating deep layers of the moon.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
  • Obviously, what Mark Davis has done is tremendous in Las Vegas, and really investing in that team.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Sun managed to hang with the Aces for a half despite the massive experience gap between the teams, but the young squad fell apart late in its 98-69 loss at Mohegan Sun Arena.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
  • The outlet consistently awards UCSB the top spot for its massive social scene, access to bars and Greek life.
    Bethany Brown, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The lobby’s elevator doors opened and a woman with a giant white saucer on her head and a matching floor-length coat, embellished with red splotches that evoked stab wounds, slowly exited.
    Jane Bua, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • There’s a friendly reception area with a giant chalkboard informing guests of local events, ranging from in-house parties to full moon nights at the Acropolis and big name gigs by the touring artists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is all in an effort to keep up with the immense amount of AI infrastructure demand.
    Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 May 2026
  • For Mark Malek, chief investment officer at Siebert Financial, the borrowing update is the latest example of the immense supply of fresh debt that the Treasury Department is issuing.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Atlanta dodged a colossal traffic migraine last weekend, but motorists should once again brace for inconvenience Friday evening through early Monday.
    Vanessa McCray, AJC.com, 12 May 2026
  • Then finish with the shaggy, colossal coconut gelato sundae or a little demon of a coffee cake, fondant eyes agog.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

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