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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 In an era of immense data creation, the real winners will be those who manage it best. Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 How any attempt to stop AI could ruin humanity The humanitarian crisis that would underlie an emergency attempt to stop AI could be immense. Kevin Williams, CNBC, 24 July 2025 To have my name associated with these glorious stages where my beloved crew and colleagues share both work and memories is an immense honor. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2025 But the challenge is immense and many people are already desperate. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 20 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • After Assad fell, Israel swiftly launched an enormous countrywide air campaign targeting the remnants of his military stockpiles.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Among the projects will be the construction of data centers to help provide the enormous amounts of energy needed to power AI.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • This is a place where costumes do a lot of heavy lifting, and Cady is a great example, her wardrobe shows us what is happening to her inside.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • This is a great UFC fight card that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • First, keep in mind that AGI and ASI will have been data trained by the vast stores of human writing.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • In the United States, childhood vaccine coverage has been declining, and the vast majority of measles cases this year – more than 90% – have been in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the best examples is her novel Made for Love, perhaps better known as an HBO show starring the excellent Cristin Milioti.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • Aloe vera is low-maintenance, making the houseplant an excellent option for beginner houseplant owners, who don’t have much time for excessive plant care.
    Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • This ordeal lasted years and took a tremendous toll on his personal life.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 24 July 2025
  • Especially with the tremendous strides which can be traced back to The East.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Brad Schmitt Hey there, new neighbors, and welcome back to our intro to Nashville and all the wonderful things the city has to offer you.
    Brad Schmitt, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
  • Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • So, my ability for my flat serves not only to be coming in at 145 [mph] but also rising above his shoulders is huge.
    Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
  • On Thursday, Israel’s military took journalists to the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing where hundreds of boxes of aid were on pallets filling a huge lot.
    Sam Mednick, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2025
Adjective
  • Cody Bellinger, a terrific defender, couldn’t find an Ernie Clement flyball in the lights in the sixth inning, which officially resulted in a one-out triple.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 24 July 2025
  • Lugo’s future Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo was terrific again Wednesday.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.

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