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 new districts were drawn in coordination with GOP leaders in the state House, who hold a vast majority — part of a larger trend that has left Democrats locked out of redistricting control in most battleground states. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2025 Now retired, Brown still co-produces the monthly True Tunes Podcast and is known to his Facebook followers for culling from his massive vinyl collection to be one of the most reliable playlist creators around, with a vast interest in all types of music. Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Aug. 2025 That can change quickly as cases wind through the courts; the fate of the vast majority of Bonta’s lawsuits are still in question. Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025 At least 2,000 others will come from the Army National Guard, the vast majority of whom serve on a part-time, volunteer basis. Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The numbers show that while AC/DC’s international fanbase is huge, U.S. listeners — whose activity is counted on the Billboard Global 200 but not on the Billboard Global Excl.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • There were two huge influences bearing down on me, outside of my family, that led to this film.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But the implications for American patients, employers, and the healthcare system as a whole are enormous.
    Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Two enormous doors slide open to reveal a dark, gaping space beyond them.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • My view is that this is the first tiny snowball that is starting to roll down a snowy hill and soon will be a gigantic avalanche that everybody will be talking about. Time will tell.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The duo utilized a park near their production stages to erect the set pieces that included buildings, tents, and a gigantic tower with an observation deck – the latter of which required constructing multiple versions.
    Daron James, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Entitled is a joint biography of the former couple, and the extract examined her tremendous debts and lavish lifestyle from the 1990s until around 2010.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025
  • After making a tremendous mistake that triggers the French and Indian War, an ambitious 22-year-old Washington must face his failures and find the courage to become the leader that will forge a nation.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Following its success, Netflix struck a massive deal north of $400 million to develop sequels, leading to 2022's Glass Onion and now, Wake Up Dead Man.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • This year, the event took place Aug. 3 at the Columbia Center, an office park with a massive lot that can fit all the vehicles and festivities.
    Keenan Thompson, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But aside from a simmering Josh Brolin as grieving father Archer seeing a vision of a giant semi-automatic in the night sky flashing the time of the unexplained event, there’s too little substance to support those associations.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
  • The new key art, seen above, shows off Tommy Oliver’s Green Ranger, along with what appears to be a giant Megazord looming behind everything.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The brothers spent two years training for the challenge, undergoing immense mental and physical preparation, including logistical feats such as home cooking and dehydrating over 1,000 meals.
    Quinta Thomson, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
  • Motivation Amid Missiles: Helping Your Team Keep Going During wartime, people face immense physical and emotional challenges.
    Eyal Shamir, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Grab your telescope and aim it at Saturn in the early morning hours of Aug. 19 to see Titan's colossal shadow sweep across the majestic gas giant's cloud tops.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • The film is a colossal hit, so surely that must be working out great for Sony, right?
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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