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 Trump also endorsed a Senate deal to fund the vast majority of the federal government through the remainder of the fiscal year, easing near-term political uncertainty for investors. Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026 Spanish-speaking rock artists end up squeezed in with urbano megastars under a vast Latin pop umbrella. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026 Remittances from loved ones abroad, part of the vast Venezuelan diaspora, have become lifelines for many families. Mery Mogollon, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026 Some of the volunteers are also professional actors and dancers, but the vast majority of them are amateurs who, for one night only, will perform in front of a live audience of 60,000 in the stadium, and the hundreds of millions expected to tune in from around the world. Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The final project aims to blend elements from space sims, first-person shooters, MMOs, and more into a massive amalgamation set in a huge, persistent universe.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The Senate passed a package funding huge chunks of the federal government through September but setting a two-week stopwatch on the expiration of Homeland Security funding.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • At its heart is a 38-meter-high domed lounge with dazzling gold-and-maroon Islamic fretwork walls and an enormous chandelier.
    Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Modern society has fully embraced the label, placing enormous value on intellect and IQ.
    Jasna Hodžić, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • These stray images were then blasted away by a blazing sun that completely filled the space of awareness before transforming itself into a gigantic eyeball—a sighted sun with a black circle of iris.
    Michael Pollan, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
  • An ending to the story of this gigantic resource has yet to be written.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • And the country has tremendous long-term potential.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • 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 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Los Angeles police issued a dispersal order Wednesday after a massive student protest over federal immigration enforcement efforts spiraled into violence in downtown LA.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Williams had just blown up the Chargers’ last-gasp comeback attempt and charged over to his head coach, getting a massive bear hug from Vrabel.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Network equipment giant Cisco recorded a new high on Tuesday as well.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
  • In the games, Liberty Prime is a giant combat robot capable of mass destruction.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Many come early to grab a seat in the immense auditorium.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Woolen yelled at his teammates on the sideline after the Rams touchdown and was the focus of immense criticism on social media.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In the 1950s, as part of the Marshall Plan, the United States assisted Turkey’s modernization through various initiatives, including helping Ankara build a colossal road that connected dozens of Anatolian cities.
    Kaya Genç, The Dial, 3 Feb. 2026
  • All this, of course, was necessary so that the Kings could part with Schröder, who has been a colossal disappointment on the first season of a three-year, $44 million deal (The final year is only partially guaranteed).
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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