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 couple started to consider the possible confluence when the Knicks swept the Sixers in the Eastern Conference semifinals and Perry set about arranging for 250 guests – the vast majority of which are from the city – to watch the second half together. Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 13 June 2026 For decades, a safari in Kenya meant early morning game drives across the vast plains of the Masai Mara in search of leopards, lions and cheetah. Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026 From its earliest foundations, the daily operation of its vast workforce, and the lavish palatial residence, there seems to be no end in sight to its former glory. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026 The city emailed a vast amount of data to the governor’s office by the state’s June 9 deadline. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • That would deal a huge blow to a state that relies on its top 1% of earners for nearly half its personal income tax revenue.
    Sophie Austin, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • So my whole upbringing was hiding and carrying this huge weight and secret.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • The assessment, which was based on disruptions, incidents, and violent extremist propaganda, says the potentially enormous crowds make the parade a high priority for lone wolf attackers, the official said.
    Mark Morales, CNN Money, 18 June 2026
  • The mega monsoons, vast deserts, volcanic eruptions, and enormous terrestrial animals and marine life of the turbulent Permian Period feature prominently, as the Earth reaches the brink of ecological collapse.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Miami knows a variety of sports on a gigantic scale more than most big cities.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026
  • And two, the logo is ugly and gigantic.
    Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • But SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI swelled to tremendous sizes thanks to dollars from private investors, including pension funds, companies and rich investors, away from the public market.
    Stan Choe, Fortune, 13 June 2026
  • Having such a wide variety of on-site entertainment drives tremendous traffic with more than 38 million visits to Yas Island in 2024.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security awarded a contract to a company that makes a drone with massive nets to ensnare other drones.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • This $200,000 bad check appears to be just the tip of a massive financial iceberg.
    Alejandro Avila, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The University of Kansas marching band played the Algerian national anthem and Lawrence artist Stan Herd created a giant flag of the North African nation, made out of organic materials, to display on the school grounds.
    Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 17 June 2026
  • Texas restaurants are a big winner from the FIFA World Cup, as visitors fill social media with dozens of photos of giant barbecue platters, tall frozen margaritas and anything from Buc-ees.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Kremlin’s strategy has long been to outlast Ukraine in an attritional war profiting from its immense population and large military industry that can sustain a slow, grinding campaign.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • Deep mistrust The challenges facing teams on the ground are immense.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • These are players who have worked hard and earned their place here, some of whom will only play at one World Cup, and they have been put at a colossal disadvantage.
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • Our ambition was to bring back the magic of Old Paris and the colossal transformation led by Napoleon III and Haussmann, with premium production values in both cinematography and visual effects.
    Roberto Prieto, Variety, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.

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