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 Probiotics have become a buzzword in grocery aisles and on social media, in part because of a growing body of research highlighting the importance of a healthy gut microbiome – the body’s vast ecosystem of bacteria and other microbes that helps regulate digestion, metabolism and immune function. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 The vast majority of it goes to markets in Asia, including Iran’s only remaining oil customer, China. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026 But the vast majority of us prefer civilization over barbarism, and there’s a value to that. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026 But your information still travels through a vast marketplace. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The horn sounded as the ball approached the hoop, marking the second huge shot from Bradley on an otherwise quiet night for the senior guard.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Geopolitics aside, this news is a huge deal for the BCIs in general.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And so, not far from Tau Ceti, an enormous alien spacecraft looms into view.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Indeed, the birth of this enormous sweeping bar may have initially concentrated gas to help trigger star formation and then propel stars outward, the researchers suggested.
    Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Their next album has to hit harder than the last, their growing Street Mob Records roster depends on their vision for the label, and a gigantic tour leaves no room for mistakes.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2026
  • But California’s high cost of living is a gigantic gripe.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Canori, in his statement, added that his team has taken tremendous care working with Newport Beach and world-class architects to ensure the project complements and aligns with the vision and plan for Newport Center.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
  • And he's got a tremendous card.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There are plenty of common spaces to lounge about in, from the bar to the restaurant (Macondo, which feels like a massive, beachy living room) to the beach cabanas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Both massive aircraft can act as the president’s emergency operations hub in times of national security threats, such as a nuclear war.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Elsewhere, German autos giant BMW said Thursday that net profit for 2025 exceeded 7 billion euros, slightly above the consensus estimate compiled by LSEG.
    Chloe Taylor,Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Walking among the colorful, striped geological layers feels like stepping inside a giant painting made by nature itself.
    Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In a panel on gender-affirming care hosted by Middletown Pride in September 2025, Connecticut state representatives explained the immense pressure placed on medical providers by the White House.
    Elijah Polance, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2026
  • The greatest threats to Gammons’ life have come not from chasing storms, but from immense health challenges.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Chief Executive David Zaslav and his team have worked feverishly to pay down the colossal debt that came from Discovery’s 2022 takeover of the larger WarnerMedia.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Jetavanaramaya, a colossal fourth-century Sri Lankan monument, was once among the world’s largest structures.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 28 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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