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 The hottest temperatures of summer so far are on the way for much of California later this week as an immense heat dome is set to take shape, with triple digit temps lingering into early August for much of the Central Valley. Sean MacAday 27, Sacbee.com, 27 July 2026 SpaceX successfully launched its Starship vehicle on Friday and appeared to demonstrate important and credible steps toward fulfilling the massive rocket’s immense promise. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 27 July 2026 The combination of extensive biofouling growth, species accumulation and the sheer number, size and global reach of affected vessels has created an immense international biosecurity threat, according to the paper. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 25 July 2026 Reckless feuds and comments on his podcast Ryan Clark was also causing immense amounts of controversy and unnecessary drama on his podcast, which was promoted on ESPN’s kyron regularly. Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • This period, known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and first noted in the 1990s, may have been the result of an enormous volcanic eruption, or maybe a sudden release of methane.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • That’s an enormous sales figure for any current release, let alone a project that arrived more than a decade ago.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Important settlements have existed here since the Roman times, when it was described by the writer Ausonius as one of Gaul’s great educational centers.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • Getty Images Errol Spence had a great career, but at 36 years old and after three years out of the ring, the former world champion has hit his ceiling in boxing.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • If the referendum passes, Miami will join the vast majority of Miami-Dade cities that hold elections in even years.
    Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The Jayhawks used a search firm to find candidates, and Goff noted that the pool of candidates was vast, including a lot of people from professional sports franchises.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • The designation is a first for Georgia and a huge win for dedicated conservationists, scientists, government officials, nonprofits and swamp neighbors who have spent more than four decades advocating for our wetland wonder.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Jericho hit Ciampa with the hockey stick and kissed the Youppi the plush toy to a huge pop.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Start with the escargot, which pack a wonderful buttery, garlicky punch, each bite topped with a perfect, tiny puff pastry.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The combination of David’s wonderful scripts, Lenny back directing on the BBC, Element Pictures producing, and Claire and Mathew leading our cast is a real gift.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Third, college players have tremendous value in the marketplace, as evidenced by rising player salaries.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The General Electric breakup has created tremendous shareholder value, but GEHC is the laggard of the three entities.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • McKinney missed eight games in 2022 after an ATV accident in Cabo during the team's bye week, then rebounded with a terrific 2023 season.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The base configuration is powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX processor that’s terrific for 3D renders, heavy multitasking, and—of course—pushing refresh rates forward in your heavy-duty gaming.
    Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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