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 vast, indifferent Moroccan desert acts as a major character, stripping the human characters bare and forcing a primal confrontation with mortality, loss, and the unconstrained forces of nature. Robert Lang, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026 The space underneath is vast and versatile, and the headboard is stylish and easy to design around. Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026 These systems learn by ingesting vast troves of data in a process called training. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 7 Jan. 2026 Perhaps this shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that the vast majority of members of SAG-AFTRA are Americans. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • Clara Silva’s defense was huge, with the sophomore center having multiple blocks and making the Sun Devils consider and reconsider every shot at the rim.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Workers are rapidly being asked to apply human judgment and insight to a huge load of content that AI is generating for them, and historically, those types of skillsets take 10 years to build, said Aashna Kircher, group general manager for the office of the CHRO at Workday.
    Kristin Stoller, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Sensory design has played an enormous role in developing this new identity for the bathroom, and the 2026 NKBA Bath Trends Report shows that numerous sensory trends are expected to continue gaining mainstream traction.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • By Christmas, the enormous mammal had done serious damage — turning on a gas line under the house —that forced Johnson to live without hot water.
    Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s also a massive leg lumbering in the distance which could be a Sentinel, the gigantic, mutant-hunting robots that are some of X-Men’s most iconic villains.
    Jordan Moreau, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Chaplin holds many vestiges of its former ownership, from an old saw mill and furnace from when Chaplin was making his films, to his footsteps, to a gigantic set of muppet eyes overlooking the soundstage room.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Here currently in the United States backed by the courts, the legislative branch and the Justice Department, our president has acquired tremendous power.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The light beam distance of 80 meters, or approximately 260 feet, provides a tremendous field of view from three different LEDs.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If a carrier were to run out of money in the event of a massive earthquake, the California Insurance Guarantee Association would chip in the money to cover any outstanding claims.
    Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • The multi-hyphenate paired the slouchy, pocketed sweater with a fabulously massive fur scarf and a pair of shiny white pants.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The space station's main truss and two giant solar arrays can be seen, as well as the blue arc of the Earth below.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Reminders of the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup are everywhere, like in the giant photo of William Karlsson clutching the Cup above the entrance to the practice facility in Summerlin.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The fact of Heated Rivalry’s immense popularity suggests that viewers loved it too.
    Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
  • In The Studio, Rogen portrays Matt Remick, a movie lover and new head of a fictional Hollywood movie studio under immense pressure.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The colossal triumphal arch is over 160 feet tall and took roughly 30 years to complete.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Along the banks, the giants of Amazonia, the sentinel royal palms and the colossal domed kapoks, rose above a confusion of trunks, reeds, and trailing vines.
    Stanley Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

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