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 The Pitt explores the immense challenges faced by emergency room physicians and nurses in a crumbling American healthcare system. Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026 This immense speed creates a wave of pressure which combined with heat and friction can cause the rock to fragment, which results in a loud, explosive sound. Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026 His ambition not just to succeed but to win was so immense. Joshua John Miller, Vanity Fair, 9 Apr. 2026 Tasks that come naturally to most children require immense effort from him. Dr. Joseph D'orazio, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Rising electricity rates have been a fault line in recent campaigns, especially as enormous data centers are built to power artificial intelligence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Others predicted that toilet paper could soon become difficult to come by as a result of the enormous blaze.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to a requirement for a warrant to access Americans' data, critics also want greater protections on how the FBI or other agencies can search communications and how that is reported to the public.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The second half of the weekend will be great for outdoor plans with temperatures in the lower 70s by the afternoon.
    Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Being in the band for 10 years, that’s nearly a third of my life, and the vast majority of my creative life.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 11 Apr. 2026
  • All in a place where people are living atop vast deposits of coal, oil, and gas.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Alliums are excellent neighbors to beets, brassicas, tomatoes, and more.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026
  • This bracelet makes an excellent Mother’s Day jewelry gift.
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That's all well and good, and that's a huge part of the learning process.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Milton, a Whichita State signee, played a huge role in what was arguably North Crowley girls basketball’s best season.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Justin’s milkbread bun (for which Jennifer made the dough) was wonderful, but the pork in his sandwich was underseasoned, and there wasn’t enough of it.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The format has an all-powerful ‘Taskmaster’ who, with the help of a loyal assistant, tests the wiles of a panel of comedians over the course of each series by setting them weird and wonderful challenges.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 14 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spacecraft returning from the moon hit Earth's atmosphere at tremendous speeds — 24,000 mph (38,600 kph) or thereabouts.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • How tremendous the moviegoing experience is throughout the country.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Curtis Strange continues to be absolutely terrific working The Masters alongside the equally terrific Scott Van Pelt for ESPN.
    Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Munson is a terrific burst of fresh air, enlivening the coach car with humor built from relationship foibles.
    David John Chávez, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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