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 Companies big and small have been increasing prices due to a memory chip shortage brought on by immense demand for AI compute. Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 This immense borrowing fuels concerns as revenue growth lags behind valuations, and financing strain is already surfacing. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 People in certain fields face immense industry pressure to use AI in their work; those in other fields are strongly discouraged from doing so. Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 And as one of the last remaining elder statesmen of a genre that spent most of its existence largely underappreciated by those out of the know, Guy is acutely aware of the immense weight resting on his shoulders. Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Tucker is being counted on as a middle-of-the-order presence, but the enormous contract has made every prolonged downturn more difficult to ignore.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • The researchers argue that the enormous cliff system triggered prolonged erosion that stripped away vast amounts of rock and helped expose some of North America’s oldest geological formations.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Rivera-Vega is suspected of setting the fire and also had been charged with arson causing great bodiliy injury before the woman died.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Starting the election calendar in South Carolina is intended in part to give Black voters a greater voice at the outset of the nominating process.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • South Florida’s vast Caribbean diaspora knows that consuls general come and go.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Dark matter and dark energy, also not yet directly observed, together are the source of the vast majority of energy in the universe, but their physical natures are unknown.
    Don Figer, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Fjord, Cristian Mungiu’s legal thriller starring podcast favorite Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan; Hope, an action film starring Squid Game breakout Hoyeon; and Gentle Monster, led by an excellent Léa Seydoux.
    Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Servite 0-1 (62) The Friars lost to an excellent Centennial of Corona team, 41-21, in Rick Garretson’s first game as Servite’s head coach.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But even when care is available, stigma can still present a huge barrier.
    Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Fifth Round - Romero 10-9 (Lopez 49-46) Romero opened a huge gash over Lopez’s eye with a left hook and then nearly dropped him with a right hand.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.
    Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • His Hall of Fame status no doubt took a hit after lousy stints with the Jets and Steelers following his tremendous run in Green Bay.
    Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • This squad has tremendous depth relative to their Serie A rivals.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • With the ups and downs of that season under his belt and Cam Coleman catching his passes, Manning should be terrific.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Jamal Murray, Jokic, Gordon and Johnson are terrific — when healthy.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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