Definition of immensenext
1
2

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 As the crocodile spins, the prey experiences immense torsional and shear forces. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 This is especially important for a municipality such as Chicago, where the pension funds remain vastly underfunded despite dedicating immense resources — about 17% of the total budget and 76% of property tax revenue — to annual pension contributions. Mary Wagoner, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 In the harsh winter of 1777-78, amidst the immense hardships faced by the Continental Army at Valley Forge, many believe Washington knelt in a moment of solitary prayer, seeking guidance and strength from God. Neda Ulaby, NPR, 27 May 2026 The franchise drew immense scrutiny for having Sabally walk off the floor instead of being securely carried away on a stretcher. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • Throughout the trial, stress took an enormous toll on Jackson, defense attorney Mark Geragos said in the docuseries.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
  • Regardless of any such warnings, expect enormous spending from unions, charter advocates, business interests and wealthy donors.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Monroe’s image-making Monroe always had greater agency over her still images than her moving images, which were largely determined by the film studios and directors.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • In performance and direction, and in the small ways in which Caswell and Wills have plotted out this isolated love story, there’s a level of great richness and detail.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Additionally, our commerce writers and editors have previously covered a vast array of travel-friendly beauty stories.
    Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 30 May 2026
  • Liberals, who unfortunately make up the vast majority of sports media, will celebrate athletes endorsing/hanging out with Democrat politicians, while shaming those like Dart that dare to be conservative and Trump supporters.
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • There are beautiful lake-side beaches and excellent trout fishing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 June 2026
  • The jury, under the excellent presidency of Park Chan-wook, who was both generous and confident, had extremely varied and highly democratic debates.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 4 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
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • By any measure, Antioch’s Brooke White has had a tremendous freshman season, starting for a state title contender, playing a sterling second base and leading the team in hitting.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Detroit lost for the 21st time in 25 games despite a terrific start by Keider Montero, who allowed just two hits in six shutout innings.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 May 2026
  • Crucially, this Bond is terrific, not tiresome.
    Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on immense

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster