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 SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 10 Apr. 2026 That mismatch is killing some of the planet’s most vital ecosystems, from California’s towering redwoods to the seagrass meadows along its coast, both of which store vast amounts of carbon and support complex webs of life. ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026 The first year of life is a perilous stretch for young grizzlies navigating the vast and unforgiving terrain of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026 In the last decade, insurance companies have fueled the rise of nonbank lenders, handing them more influence over vast pools of cash. Katanga Johnson, Fortune, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • That's all well and good, and that's a huge part of the learning process.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Milton, a Whichita State signee, played a huge role in what was arguably North Crowley girls basketball’s best season.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Rising electricity rates have been a fault line in recent campaigns, especially as enormous data centers are built to power artificial intelligence.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Others predicted that toilet paper could soon become difficult to come by as a result of the enormous blaze.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s a potentially gigantic collective archive.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
  • So, to be able to represent that on such a gigantic platform to a whole ton of people who might not necessarily be 100% EDM festival attendees… to play for them is really exciting.
    Christine Terrisse, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Spacecraft returning from the moon hit Earth's atmosphere at tremendous speeds — 24,000 mph (38,600 kph) or thereabouts.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2026
  • How tremendous the moviegoing experience is throughout the country.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • During the chaos, community members like local restaurant owner Ron Grady stepped up to offer warm shelter and food to those who were stranded in the cold due to the massive multi-vehicle crash.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack overnight.
    Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Some areas have also seen giant wildfires that left no grass for grazing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • American Airlines was marking its centennial on Wednesday with celebrations at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and the giant carrier’s other hubs.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The facilities can generate significant revenue for local governments due to sales and property taxes, but also require immense amounts of water and energy.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Its centerpiece will be an auditorium with an immense gold statue of himself.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • According to Lane, his story began on Roblox, the colossal online gaming platform popular with children and teens.
    Mike Levine, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Gettysburg, by contrast, is a colossal achievement, a rich and impactful film that unfurls with the patience and depth of a great novel.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on vast

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