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 While experts recognize the immense scientific potential of the findings, some warn that the ability to create hybrid mouse-human cortical brain cells could bring us closer than ever to a concerning ethical boundary. — Mike McRae 17, New Atlas, 17 Sep. 2026 The train has come under immense scrutiny in recent years from the federal government, which pulled billions of dollars in funding last year, and state lawmakers. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 The permanent, standardized, reopenable record of every party member’s history, associations, and vulnerabilities is also an information system that gives party leaders immense power. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026 Made for under $15 million, the Spanish-language drama offers immense scope, which was by design. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Write, make something, tell the story differently, or simply notice what now seems funny that once felt enormous.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In 1996, Hamad founded Al Jazeera, a news network that gave the emirate enormous cultural influence throughout the region.
    — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Indeed, as much as Chicago has looked to past mayors as larger-than-life figures, the city rarely has accomplished anything great without the active involvement of its business community.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Evolution When asked about the greatest innovation of humans, people will often say language or fire.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The technology behind these voices has grown so refined that the vast majority of the general population hasn’t even noticed the transition has been made.
    — Will Jones, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • This vast misshapen island was traditionally noted for ghosts, folktales, eccentricity, fish, and friendliness.
    — Paul Theroux, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • First, because of the huge jump in salary when Pelle Larsson’s extension kicks in for 2027-28.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • That led to the rest of the tour’s openers and even Sheeran’s backing band for the tour dropping off the tour in solidarity with Macklemore — all of which became a huge news story and PR nightmare for the usually very un-controversial Sheeran.
    — Brendan Menapace, Billboard, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Reclaiming the work of women selling fish, and the word that was an insult but is now a beautiful brand, is a wonderful turn of phrase and time, to us.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • But De Santis is also wonderful at the end of the day, when the sun sets and Milan slowly begins to wind down.
    — Emma Bocchi, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • As the theatrical landscape continues to evolve, there is tremendous opportunity to find creative ways to connect great films with audiences.
    — Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Data centers gobble up a tremendous amount of energy, most of which still comes from fossil fuels.
    — Anna Zarra Aldrich, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • So Kelce reported to camp in terrific shape and looking svelte and nimble despite all the hoopla, especially around the wedding.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Our present condition is deplorable on account of a terrific burden of unemployment caused by overproduction.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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