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 particular game, your hopes and intentions as a player clash with an immense, almost boundless world and its survival mechanics. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2026 My grandpa, Omar Gomez, grew up in Julimes, a small town outside Chihuahua, Mexico, in the grip of immense poverty. Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 The temptation to compromise is immense. Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 8 May 2026 This world can be very impersonal and automated, and there’s immense value in having a consistent team familiar with a specific property. Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • The company said powerful AI systems require enormous computing resources, most of which still depend on chips designed by American and allied firms.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • The Maxwells are enormous and heavy, with their massive 90mm drivers, while the Omnis are smaller and lighter, weighing nearly 340 grams.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • For a player who isn’t exactly known for his defensive acumen, Dorofeyev made several great defensive plays with his stick.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Even in the United States, his student turned assistant Henry LeTang became the tap teacher to hundreds, from starlets needing tailoring to the great Gregory Hines.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • People familiar with the investigation told The Times that a vast amount of data was gathered and needs to be analyzed.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Kent has used the vast array of succulents’ color, texture and size to draw the eye.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Christopher Sanchez has once again been excellent, and Jacob Misiorowski has often looked unhittable with over 14 strikeouts per nine innings.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • The excellent, nonprofit gallery and incubator known as PlatteForum has moved around a bit over the years, and will reopen in the Art District on Santa Fe starting June 5.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Again and again worked Friday night for Blanco, who produced an RBI and triple for Oak Lawn in that huge third to spark a 22-6 victory over host Crete-Monee in five innings in Crete.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • That will also be a huge difference from the Orbán regime, when there was no responsibility or consequences of any crime, any political mistake.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drag is a wonderful and versatile art form that offers joy and freedom of expression.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • It’s been really wonderful to have you on today.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • First, the incoming object blasted material outward at tremendous speed, excavating deep layers of the moon.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
  • Obviously, what Mark Davis has done is tremendous in Las Vegas, and really investing in that team.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • This all sounds terrific, but the devil is in the dance.
    Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • Isbel saved a couple of extra-base hits with terrific plays in center field.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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