immense

adjective

i-ˈmen(t)s How to pronounce immense (audio)
Definition of immensenext
1
as in enormous
unusually large the elephant was simply immense, even as elephants go

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in great
of the very best kind we had simply an immense time at the luxury resort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Maryland residents, especially, tend to be very patient with new ideas for confronting the immense challenges in our society. —Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Jan. 2026 First and foremost, his family gave him immense happiness. —Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2026 The threat that Cuba has represented to the United States has been immense. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026 The immense costs associated with the program have only worsened the economic situation, leading to a more stifling environment. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
  1. enormous
  2. great
  3. vast
  4. excellent
  5. huge
  6. wonderful
  7. tremendous
  8. terrific
Adjective
  • The deep dive into the Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein director, who will turn 100 in June, features interviews with collaborators and acolytes like Rob Reiner and Judd Apatow, who recount his spectacular rise to fame and enormous influence.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Hypersonic flight has enormous military and civilian potential.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of enormous
Adjective
  • The country's greatest resource is not oil beneath the ground, but people--inside and outside the country--who still care deeply about its future.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.
    — Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Open my soul to the vast dark places.
    — Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Both nations boast vast petroleum reserves and extensive mineral wealth, long positioning themselves as anti-imperialist adversaries of the US.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • And for mornings, Butchertown Grocery Bakery anchors the day with excellent pastries, especially the flaky biscuits, and local coffee—no reinvention necessary.
    — Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Once again, marble and soapstone, cited above, are excellent alternatives that will stand the test of time despite constant wear and tear.
    — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Clara Silva’s defense was huge, with the sophomore center having multiple blocks and making the Sun Devils consider and reconsider every shot at the rim.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Workers are rapidly being asked to apply human judgment and insight to a huge load of content that AI is generating for them, and historically, those types of skillsets take 10 years to build, said Aashna Kircher, group general manager for the office of the CHRO at Workday.
    — Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • This has been a wonderful season.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Keep reading to discover all of the wonderful possibilities this tiny home unlocks, for just $9,800.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Here currently in the United States backed by the courts, the legislative branch and the Justice Department, our president has acquired tremendous power.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The light beam distance of 80 meters, or approximately 260 feet, provides a tremendous field of view from three different LEDs.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • Special mention must be made of the in-room minibars, which are terrific, and so extensive that they are contained not within a single small fridge but an entire chest of drawers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Lenert made a terrific save on a solid strike by JSerra midfielder Carter Biondolillo, with Lenert diving to his left to make the crucial stop in the second half.
    — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Definition of terrific

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on immense

Nglish: Translation of immense for Spanish Speakers

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