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 This precise example neatly encapsulates the danger of allowing vast and unfettered media consolidation. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025 China has long had its sights on Myanmar as part of its larger Belt and Road Initiative, a vast infrastructure investment program that seeks to boost China’s growth prospects and political influence. Dan Swift, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2025 Madrid is a city chameleon-which can easily pass for Buenos Aires, Paris or Mexico, so the filming opportunities are vast. Annika Pham, Variety, 30 Sep. 2025 This vast gap in efficiency is what researchers hope to close with their new design. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The San Francisco 49ers continue to deal with a huge number of injuries, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The victory by the Crimson Tide was a huge relief for coach Kalen DeBoer after a season-opening loss to Florida State.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The public health benefits, too, would be enormous.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The Toba supereruption ejected 672 cubic miles (2,800 km³) of volcanic ash into the stratosphere, producing an enormous crater roughly 1,000 football fields in length (62 x 18 miles, or 100 x 30 kilometers).
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Patriots cruising into halftime with a gigantic lead.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Here, slowly being swallowed by vegetation and worn down by time, are gigantic mausoleums, vast underground cisterns, temples, imposing city walls and a breathtaking theater perched, like Machu Picchu, on a hilltop that offers views stretching for miles all around.
    Barry Neild, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • While the Surrey Hotel has a tremendous reputation throughout New York City, behind its façade of class and elegance exists a troubling picture of exploitation.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Ending the war and bringing the hostages home have tremendous domestic support, but not from the far-right lawmakers who are crucial to keeping the prime minister in power.
    Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His singles are custom-made for arenas, with massive, cheery choruses reminiscent of peak ’80s MTV.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Marshall fire victims who joined the massive lawsuit against Xcel Energy are expected to receive their portion of the $640 million settlement before the end of the year, but the amount of money each plaintiff receives will not be publicly disclosed.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Then, in February, the 10-day Carnival fills the streets with music, parades, and inventive costumes featuring giant handmade masks that represent fearsome creatures, which scare away winter spirits, or joyful beings celebrating their retreat, dating back to ancient pagan customs.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
  • At the $320 billion software giant SAP, there will likely be a need for fewer engineers to deliver the same—or even greater—output, according to the company’s CFO Dominik Asam.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The fallout from his injury is immense.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Restructuring on this scale presents immense challenges for employees.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sonar revealed ancient relics along the sea floor, including a series of colossal structures standing 20 feet high and arranged in rows, as well as several anchors and amphora.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 24 Sep. 2025
  • In the mountains of central China, a colossal antenna system stretches across the landscape.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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