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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 that immense wealth comes a responsibility to give back to Louisville and the world, several members of the family told the Courier Journal. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025 Any restrictions on aid against the background of Gaza’s immense needs should be unacceptable. Anna Halford, Time, 25 Oct. 2025 This propensity for mental acrobatics, alongside his immense arrogance, was how Epstein rationalized his crimes to himself. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 25 Oct. 2025 Words hold immense power this week, especially yours, Virgo. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • My love for Stevie Wonder is enormous, and a lot of that comes from Joni’s love for Stevie Wonder.
    Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That's an enormous gap, but what other team has a better claim as the league's 11th-best?
    Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 20-year-old was one of many players in the Argentinian squad with solid top-flight experience for their clubs, racking up 13 starts in midfield for Boca Juniors, after being given his opportunity by the great Fernando Gago back in May 2024.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • For me, it’s been really essential to read a lot of great information, and to come at the world filled with knowledge and all these ideas of, in my view, much smarter and braver people than myself.
    Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Trump on Sunday suggested Ukraine and Russia should freeze their bitter conflict along the current front lines, which would cede vast swathes of Ukrainian territory to Russia—which Kyiv has long refused to entertain.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The vast majority of the population was illiterate.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
  • The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This is tremendous news for the incredible people of Japan.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The jewels are of tremendous national worth and their value incalculable.
    News Desk, Artforum, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • For the creation of wonderful characters and a story that feels spontaneous yet precise in its depiction of power, its moral dilemmas, and the absurd contradictions with the human condition.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Walston had a wonderful calming spirit.
    Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The pitch clock has already gone a long way towards helping make baseball more accessible, but moving the first pitch back 25 minutes would still make a huge difference.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Examples include huge catching nets, or docking with stray objects to force them back down into Earth's atmosphere.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The result was a 33-yard reception from Legette, who was terrific, that sealed the game.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Eisen added that wide receiver Emeka Egbuka looks terrific and that the team needs running back Bucky Irving back healthy, and the ship could get back on track.
    Tyler Geis, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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