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 Training and operating a leading model requires immense spending on chips, data centers, energy, networking, research staff and global distribution. Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026 The committee welcomed the progress Friday, but said the work to restore public institutions and services and rebuild the territory would be immense. Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Strayed, after facing immense loss in her personal life, packs up her things and takes to the mountains. The Week Us, TheWeek, 31 July 2026 Kanbei isn’t exactly Hannibal Lecter, and Murashige, whom Motoki lends immense stature, wisdom, and gravity, is no one’s idea of Clarice Starling. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • And enormous sums of money are needed to upgrade Venezuela’s decaying infrastructure after years of underinvestment and little maintenance.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In their third epic encounter, Femi slayed Lesnar with an enormous Fall From Grace powerbomb to potentially send Lesnar off into retirement.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The other great piece of news is that, yes, this will get a localized release with multiple language support, something that the original PlayStation Portable version never had.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • One such is Japan’s Santec Holdings, a maker of optical testing gear much in demand in AI data centers that use fiber-optic cables to transmit vast quantities of data.
    Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Roughly 11,000 square feet across two levels showcases high ceilings and vast walls of glass offering sweeping mountain and ocean views.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.
    Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • India is another huge buyer, Jungman said, accounting for about a quarter of exports, while European countries like Spain and the Netherlands are also in the mix.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Solo Sikoa received a huge face reaction in his tag team victory, while Nick Aldis was reinstated as SmackDown GM despite a loss to Gunther.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Linebacker Zaire Franklin had tremendous coverage on an incomplete pass down the middle for tight end Josh Whyle.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There are tremendous challenges around delivering this in practice given the differing problems and motivations across continents and federations.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • After a terrific collegiate career, Stanek was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick in the 1st round of the 2113 MLB draft.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The ancho chili Caesar salad is a terrific appetizer to share, as are both types of shrimp aguachile verde.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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