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 Ocean Observatories Initiative, or OOI, was set up in 2016 and is made up of around 900 instruments in parts of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans specially designed to withstand the immense pressure and corrosive saltiness of the ocean depths. Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 Each arrived with immense wealth, sophisticated organizations, top consultants, endless advertising, and the sincere belief that success in business would naturally translate into success in politics. John Shallman, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 That means Beijing will continue to wield immense political and economic influence. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 3 June 2026 Whoever becomes the next assessor will face immense pressure. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Start small with beaded bookmarks or diamond art magnets, or take on a long-term project with enormous pieces of diamond wall art.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 June 2026
  • And that set off an enormous race, and then of course a trajectory of many labs adopting the technology for all kinds of applications.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Roberto Duran, the Central American nation’s most famous son, is one of the greatest boxers in history.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The Lincoln home site provides another dimension to the study of the man often cited as the nation’s greatest president.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • With elevations ranging from 5,500 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, the varied topography of the forest provides a vast playground suited for every season.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
  • This is a place defined by vast open spaces, minimal human footprint, and a profound sense of connection to nature.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Marquinhos — Brazil/PSG The grizzled leader of PSG’s excellent defence occupies a similar role for Brazil, and his partnership with Gabriel will be the foundation for any deep World Cup run.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
  • Watts got another excellent chance in the waning seconds, but the Patriots defense forced the shot to go wide.
    Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The eighth-inning bomb was huge, too.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Cutting a ribbon, celebrating this wonderful binational relationship, and the wonderful Gordie Howe Bridge that is the new crossing linking Windsor and Detroit.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • However, while this plant is wonderful for home gardens and dinner tables, not all plants will work well as its neighbor.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Adjective
  • In turn, entering large numbers of guesses requires a tremendous amount of time and computing resources, even when the cracking is performed using GPUs or special-purpose hardware.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 4 June 2026
  • The 25th installment of the Tribeca Festival runs June 3-14 throughout New York City, boasting a tremendous music slate, with icons including Madonna, Earth, Wind & Fire and Peter Frampton premiering music films.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • That was in the month of April, and in the month of September, Nick gathered together five other terrific actors.
    Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026
  • Delane plays with terrific foot speed, loose hips and elite body control on an island.
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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