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 In this case, the DOJ and a coalition of states sought to prove that Google leveraged its immense market power in online display ads to reduce the reach of competitors. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026 In Georgia, the lieutenant governor wields immense power in the state Senate by presiding over floor debates and making committee assignments that give them control over what bills reach the floor for a vote. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Either way, Watson heads into the new campaign – his first regular-season play since tearing his Achilles in 2024 – with an immense amount of pressure. Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026 For decades, the entry point for high-impact visual storytelling remained locked behind physical constraints, gatekeepers and immense capital. Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Light can carry enormous amounts of information, and optical connections can offer high bandwidth over relatively long distances.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps Vance’s affection for Carlson has more to do with holding the loyalty of his friend’s enormous audience.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.
    Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet no matter how much conviction Duren might have in his case, there’s a very simple reason the vast majority of players avoid taking the qualifying-offer route.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The billionaire chairman and CEO of WorldQuant has been a pioneer in applying AI and other technologies to vast collections of data, looking to build predictive models from historical information.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Lampard felt his players deserved a point after creating several excellent chances.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The cast’s Blackness is a huge part of this — signifying is in their blood — but the impact spread across the whole franchise.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That was a play with huge ramifications that, to some extent, still sticks with Williams.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Chief among Kvaratskhelia’s standout moments in a PSG shirt was his wonderful solo goal against Aston Villa in last year’s Champions League quarter-final.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Many wonderful and terrible things have happened in the 25 years since, some related to the 9/11 attacks, many not at all.
    Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Decker had tremendous success at Old Dominion last season, and his quarterback Colton Joseph, now at Wisconsin, was the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year.
    Antonio Morales, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Her tremendous decision not to share every notification, though unseen by her children, quietly demonstrated her ability to move forward without asking permission from the past.
    Dr. Victor Fornari, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The front three of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro already looks terrific, while Maxence Lacroix is an extremely solid defensive addition and Emi Martinez is an upgrade on Robert Sanchez in goal.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Buddy expands to 1,771 screens after a terrific opening last weekend.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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