Definition of immensenext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word immense distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of immense are colossal, enormous, gigantic, huge, mammoth, and vast. While all these words 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

When might colossal be a better fit than immense?

Although the words colossal and immense have much in common, colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

When can gigantic be used instead of immense?

While in some cases nearly identical to immense, gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When is huge a more appropriate choice than immense?

While the synonyms huge and immense are close in meaning, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

Where would mammoth be a reasonable alternative to immense?

The words mammoth and immense can be used in similar contexts, but mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When could vast be used to replace immense?

The words vast and immense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

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 immense These magnets must not only perform at high levels but also withstand the immense mechanical forces generated during operation. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026 The trends are concerning, to say the least, and the compounding impact on our communities and our economy is immense. Brooks Tingle, Fortune, 29 Jan. 2026 In other words, geological and climate changes will present immense challenges for those looking to build mining infrastructure. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2026 Looking back, Harry reflects on Ben’s journey with immense pride. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • At its heart is a 38-meter-high domed lounge with dazzling gold-and-maroon Islamic fretwork walls and an enormous chandelier.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Modern society has fully embraced the label, placing enormous value on intellect and IQ.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • China is seizing an opportunity to challenge American dominance in global finance and exert greater international influence at the expense of the all-powerful US dollar.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The last challenge is that the very faint objects that are both intrinsically small and are located at great distances present a big challenge to any observatory that has to contend with Earth’s atmosphere.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The effort reflects Beijing’s push to reduce its exposure to fragile overseas supply chains, as China remains the world’s largest consumer and importer of natural rubber, driven largely by its vast automotive and industrial sectors.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 31 Jan. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Nature magazine, Scientific American, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The German is an excellent all-round forward who excels in bringing the best out of the teammates around him.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • While not every product in the brand’s SOS collection includes hypochlorous acid (an excellent anti-acneic ingredient), the serum does.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The final project aims to blend elements from space sims, first-person shooters, MMOs, and more into a massive amalgamation set in a huge, persistent universe.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The Senate passed a package funding huge chunks of the federal government through September but setting a two-week stopwatch on the expiration of Homeland Security funding.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Second, that Carrick was genuinely a player of wonderful ability, who was seen as a tremendous talent from a young age.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Giving family members an opportunity to enjoy the cruise at their own pace can go a long way to creating a trip filled with wonderful memories, Denison says.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • And the country has tremendous long-term potential.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Joseph orchestrated back-to-back top-flight defenses and is regarded widely as a terrific leader.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 1 Feb. 2026
  • As the camera glides in and around a roller-skating rink, where much of the action takes place, Decker and Shlesinger achieve and sustain a terrific balance of comic velocity and erotic languor.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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