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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 An experience often accompanied by immense highs and devastating lows. Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025 Another timeless rule—often forgotten by those in positions of immense wealth and influence—is this: do not bite the hand that feeds you. Joel Shulman, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 The opportunity cost —in terms of sustainable growth, prosperity, and planetary stability—is immense. Sturla Henriksen, Time, 5 June 2025 Despite being in immense pain and facing memory issues, Jase Robertson said his dad was keen to return to the Christianity podcast, which was first launched in 2019. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • The enormous success of Prey showed us that the best Predator stories may be the truly standalone ones.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 June 2025
  • Each of the 15 adults-only villas has an enormous deck and plunge pool, and includes features like fire pits and indoor-outdoor showers.
    Jake Emen, Robb Report, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • No putt was more important than his 20-foot par putt up the ridge on No. 9 to finish off a great round the right way.
    Doug Ferguson, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025
  • The idea was to allow developers to build more profitable market-rate apartments using greater height and density while providing financial support to balance out the lower rents for workforce tenants.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Secretly Group was founded in Bloomington, Indiana in 1996 and its vast roster includes Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, Mitski, Japanese Breakfast, Angel Olsen and many more and the labels Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar, Saddest Factory Records and Secretly Canadian.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • The hybrid online program offers an in-depth exploration of the secondhand textile system, focusing on how vast quantities of clothing end up in Africa.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is an excellent time to invest, pitch a creative idea or spruce up your portfolio.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • Robin will make an excellent addition to our great Kentucky State Senate Majority!
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Having customers in-store provides tremendous advantages for physical stores versus e-commerce. - Mark Francis, Electronic Caregiver 11.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Our beloved community, including League City, San Leon, Dickinson High School, and The Houston Film Commission, were tremendous resources for us.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • My 10-year-old avocado grown from seed produced two wonderful fruits last year.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Tanja Caldwell designed the wonderful costumes for Mara Block Ali’s Netflix series, Forever.
    Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • Merz recently vowed to make Germany’s army the strongest in Europe, but in order to meet that pledge, he will be required to spend huge sums of money to modernize, train and equip soldiers.
    Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • Americano, with a steel plate inserted into his mask knocked Penta off the ladder, then Knight hit a huge side suplex on Americano, which generated a massive reaction from the crowd.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • With no wind or other elements for the players to confront, both produced some terrific tennis for stretches.
    Howard Fendrich, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2025
  • Esquivel didn’t allow an earned run in a terrific game-one performance against Lovejoy.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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