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 Boomers are also sitting on immense wealth after benefiting from a historic era of economic growth and financial gains. Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 Indeed, Nelson’s immense basketball legacy was as loud and large as the man himself, and he was well traveled, even during his formative years in the Midwest. Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 These are usually prominences — immense structures of hydrogen plasma suspended above the sun's surface by magnetic fields. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 9 Aug. 2026 But for a player like Skubal, who's expected to get between $300-400 million, reaching the open market carries immense value. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • The frankly enormous soaking tub in black-and-white tile and equally capacious steam shower share the room, though the toilet sits in a private water closet.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • That mind is a model, an enormous statistical object assembled by feeding it a quantity of text and images nobody has ever fully itemized.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If cultural norms do shape footballing identities, that gap may help explain why the Spanish game has historically placed a greater premium on collective structures than some of its European neighbours.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • His greatest series let people see a character who has revealed the filthiest, most shameful parts of themselves, and imagine them as a mirror.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That final-day 2-1 home victory against West Bromwich Albion, played out in front of 33,750, also spoke of Wednesday’s vast potential.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the case of those to Europe, with which China has a vast trade surplus, there’s also the question of how viable the route is both ways.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Videos circulating on social media, and geolocated by CNN, show a huge blaze raging and plumes of smoke rising from an area just outside the city, close to what appear to be the characteristic towers of an oil refinery.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The fight is huge for everyone involved, the network and promoters included.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Why Adaptable People Can Still Feel Stuck Adaptability gets a tremendous amount of attention in conversations about the future of work, and for good reason.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • As the largest institutional purchaser of firearms in the United States, governments have tremendous power to shape the market.
    Kris Brown, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Spiridakos is terrific as the no-nonsense ranger who refuses to let herself be crushed by her past or present.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For 12 terrific seasons now, the New England Revolution has celebrated their partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the incredible impact of the Rev's Unified Team.
    Juli McDonald, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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