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 Of course, the vast majority of people won’t be implicated in a gruesome murder case. Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 2 May 2026 The vast acreage of the Newport Beach Golf Course has the city eyeing it for help meeting housing needs, a developer interested in building a surf park and golfers wanting to preserve an affordable option for their recreation. Laylan Connelly, Oc Register, 1 May 2026 SpaceX will pay most… The company most impacted by the user fees will be SpaceX, which owns and operates the vast majority of US launch and reentry vehicles. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 May 2026 But space is vast and deep, and there’s a very, very long way to go to visit even the other planets orbiting our sun, let alone those around other stars. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The huge blaze was finally extinguished Thursday, the local governor said, though another drone attack hit the town’s sea terminal Friday, sparking a fire.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 1 May 2026
  • Even with fatigue and that huge European tie looming, Forest could get something.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Construction in the Arizona desert damaged an enormous Indigenous ground etching resembling a fish that is thought to be at least 1,000 years old.
    Jake Spring, Washington Post, 1 May 2026
  • Starting in January, the monthly premiums for the health plan used by many teachers rose from zero to $1,400 a month paid over 10 months each year — an enormous reduction in take-home pay.
    Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The painting’s gigantic walnut frame resembled a window set into a niche.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • For the centerpiece installation in the Great Hall, Vogue and the event-design team of Raúl Àvila and Derek McLane created a gigantic full moon (about 26 feet in diameter).
    Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • At the same time, there have been tremendous advancements in the types of pediatric care available.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • Buffett said Abel has done a tremendous job so far, and Cook helped Berkshire's initial $35 billion investment in Apple grow to be worth $185 billion today.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • The company, which operates AMC, Shudder and BBC America, among other outlets,has no massive deal ready to unveil that will put it in cahoots with the NFL or Major League Baseball.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In the aftermath of 9/11, the country also experienced a massive surge in Islamophobia, with FBI data indicating anti-Muslim hate crimes skyrocketed by 1,600% in 2001.
    USA Today, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • It's filled with plants, so don't picture a giant mud hole.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Other examples include a giant Trump banner being hung at the Justice Department earlier this year.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The main house measured 5,086 square feet, with four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and immense windows and skylights throughout.
    Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 2 May 2026
  • Yaroslavsky, 45, was named the council’s budget committee chair at the beginning of last year, a job that carries immense influence over city spending and that requires her to balance lofty political expectations with fiscal reality.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • In 2019, Joe Biden vowed never to raise taxes on people earning less than $400,000 a year—a colossal sum, even in Greenwich, Connecticut, or Cupertino, California.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Amid colossal spending on AI, many of these new startups are raising hundreds of millions within months of being founded.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

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