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 At the peak of the cycle, the sun blasts out more solar flares, as well as coronal mass ejections, immense explosions of material that scream outward into the solar system. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026 Related Stories Malkovich, riding the wave of immense Oscar buzz, has already claimed Venice’s prestigious Volpi Cup for best actor for his performance. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026 Noma At its apex, Noma’s influence on the culinary world was immense and inescapable. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 Video of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went viral last week, which may not sound noteworthy given his immense talent. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • First developed in the 1950s, this aircraft has an enormous weapon payload capacity and intercontinental range.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • On top of store closures and unsold inventory, the company was choking on enormous debt from a private equity buyout in 2014.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Maines’ voice sounds great, and Maguire’s grand viola break after the bridge adds requisite drama.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The defender made a great play, but Manning made a bad throw.
    — Mac Engel October 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Deep-sea mining companies are targeting this vast reserves of metal-rich nodules to power the electric vehicle market.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • China has stepped up cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to crack down on a vast industry that has flourished in the region in recent years to fleece people out of billions of dollars.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Her shoes are already a favorite among industry insiders for their sleek appeal and excellent construction.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In late September, the concept was thrust back into the public consciousness thanks to a Variety interview with actor Jack Innanen, who plays the Canadian himbo Paul Baker on the excellent sitcom Adults.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The account has more than 13 million followers, giving whoever controlled it access to a huge audience and the credibility that comes with Microsoft’s name.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For a family living in poverty, having a home can make a huge difference in the fight for survival.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The pom-pom sandals at Givenchy were wonderful, fun, unexpected and exactly what fashion lovers are looking for from a spring runway show.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Expect to see rare bottles pulled from the shelves and all manner of weird and wonderful concoctions offered up from the menu and from their encyclopedic knowledge of drinks.
    — Condé Nast, cntraveler.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Last-minute changes and unscheduled requests to cover other clients can place tremendous stress on the field caregiver.
    — Colin Conner II, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • There has been a tremendous amount of recent development in Chelsea, but, ever the story in New York City, as beloved old places close their doors, new favorites emerge.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • He’s thrived while finally given a full workload for the first time, showing terrific vision and explosion as a receiver and runner.
    — Dalton Del Don, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Some of those who contributed to it brought it to Knott’s Berry Farm, where it has been fine-tuned into the terrific Ghost Town Alive!
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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