Definition of vastnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word vast distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of vast are colossal, enormous, gigantic, huge, immense, and mammoth. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

When might colossal be a better fit than vast?

The words colossal and vast can be used in similar contexts, but colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

How do enormous and immense relate to one another, in the sense of vast?

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

Where would gigantic be a reasonable alternative to vast?

Although the words gigantic and vast have much in common, gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When could huge be used to replace vast?

The synonyms huge and vast are sometimes interchangeable, but huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

When would mammoth be a good substitute for vast?

The meanings of mammoth and vast largely overlap; however, mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

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 vast The blaze was far smaller than a vast inferno that has swept up the Bordeaux region in southwestern France in recent days. ABC News, 30 July 2026 The vast majority of states have determined that affairs don’t fall under that category, save for some exceptions. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026 The 25-year-old built the firm around the idea that increasingly powerful AI systems would require a vast expansion of chips, memory, data centers and electricity generation. David Faber, CNBC, 30 July 2026 Perhaps more surprising is that the vast majority—70%—were employed, a share that has held steady, meaning co-residency is climbing owing to growth in adults with steady jobs rather than those looking for work. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The designation is a first for Georgia and a huge win for dedicated conservationists, scientists, government officials, nonprofits and swamp neighbors who have spent more than four decades advocating for our wetland wonder.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • Jericho hit Ciampa with the hockey stick and kissed the Youppi the plush toy to a huge pop.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • This period, known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and first noted in the 1990s, may have been the result of an enormous volcanic eruption, or maybe a sudden release of methane.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • That’s an enormous sales figure for any current release, let alone a project that arrived more than a decade ago.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • Jean overpowers their restraints and creates a gigantic psychic bubble that freezes in place nearly everyone in New York City.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The daughter of the Laestrygonians, whose scream summons the gigantic knights, is horrified to see men from the sea.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Third, college players have tremendous value in the marketplace, as evidenced by rising player salaries.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
  • The General Electric breakup has created tremendous shareholder value, but GEHC is the laggard of the three entities.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Adjective
  • Now add the fun of a massive road project that is essentially adjacent to the facility, and attending Longhorns football games this season — and the next several — will mean packing in more time.
    Mac Engel July 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • According to Karim Gharbi, Extension Agent for Horticulture with CSU Extension in Denver County, the beetles' strength comes from overwhelming trees in massive numbers.
    Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Must-order side dishes include authentic, crisp and skinny French fries, redolent of truffle, and giant slices of roasted Brussels sprouts.
    Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Others have mobilized their trucks and giant jerrycans to supply water to fire crews.
    Mark Carlson, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • The two have seen each other go through immense highs and lows.
    Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • Every year, around four million visitors converge on the five tiny fishing villages, placing immense pressure on their narrow streets, hiking trails, and centuries-old buildings.
    Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • When Larry Culp became the CEO of GE in 2018, the colossal conglomerate that Jack Welch built into the most valuable and admired enterprise in America teetered on the brink of collapse.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 23 July 2026
  • Microdramas skew younger Holywater compiled the State of Microdrama Report with consulting firm Owl & Co, which pegged the global vertical video economy excluding China at a colossal $150B in 2026, up 41%.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 23 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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