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 With immense profit dancing on the horizon as the world goes electric, shiny new technologies have the upper hand, whether everyone — or even anyone — likes or wants them. Jamie Lincoln Kitman, Rolling Stone, 24 Apr. 2026 But Chinese automakers has been facing immense pressure from ferocious price wars over the past months. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 The Pitt explores the immense challenges faced by emergency room physicians and nurses in a crumbling American healthcare system. Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 OpenAI and Anthropic are locked in a heated battle to convince a broader mix of businesses to pay for their software and offset the immense cost of building more advanced systems. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Construction in the Arizona desert damaged an enormous Indigenous ground etching resembling a fish that is thought to be at least 1,000 years old.
    Jake Spring, Washington Post, 1 May 2026
  • Starting in January, the monthly premiums for the health plan used by many teachers rose from zero to $1,400 a month paid over 10 months each year — an enormous reduction in take-home pay.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • After Marcus’s ground ball, everybody took great at-bats.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Cherry blossoms great guests at the front foyer.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests went diving under tables as the scene unfolded and some reported hearing shots outside the vast subterranean ballroom in the Washington Hilton where the event was being held.
    Collin Binkley, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The couple flew south from Tijuana on Thursday morning and spent two days touring the vast city.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.
    Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • However — and this is significant — Buffett faced some years with huge losses.
    Terry Savage, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • But land developers and speculators reap huge profits, the state and local governments gleefully do their bidding.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There is great teaching going on, the principal is wonderful.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Claire has been an advocate for courageous stories, an expert at complicated logistics and a wonderful partner to teams across the entire news division.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • To see Ben’s growth, to see Jon, his rapid ascent, and to see the team’s success, to see DA — there’s a tremendous sense of pride watching your buddies do such great things professionally.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • This is a tremendous fit and very good value.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Arttu Hyry has been terrific since entering the lineup for Game 2, but his third line hasn’t found the back of the net.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Wheatley has terrific size for the safety position, as he is listed at 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds.
    Mike Kaye April 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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