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 If widely used, the technique may have helped Vikings navigate vast stretches of the North Atlantic with surprising accuracy centuries before advanced navigational instruments emerged. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 May 2026 Roman will pair a large field of view with crisp infrared vision to survey deep, vast swaths of sky. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026 However, agencies that deal in civil enforcement activities, which describes the vast majority of immigration enforcement actions, are not eligible. Drew Pittock, USA Today, 30 May 2026 But beyond the coal ash used to make cement and other materials, vast quantities of the toxic residue are kept on-site at both active and retired coal plants, where it’s often covered with water or soil to prevent it from contaminating the air or waterways. ArsTechnica, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • Ciber ’s team work quickly under netting to mount a huge Browning heavy machine gun onto tank tracks.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The eighth-inning bomb was huge, too.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Throughout the trial, stress took an enormous toll on Jackson, defense attorney Mark Geragos said in the docuseries.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
  • Regardless of any such warnings, expect enormous spending from unions, charter advocates, business interests and wealthy donors.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • And if the interest expense on our gigantic and ballooning national debt of $39 trillion weren’t already running at nearly $1 trillion a year, bigger than Medicare spending and equaling two-thirds of Social Security outlays, the half-point upward shift would likely prove manageable.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • Shah’s closest ally (and the person most willing to call Shah on his lies to himself and others) is his cousin Zulfi, a gigantic character who Khan energizes with fast-talking charm, sarcastic asides, and an assessing glare that can cut through anyone’s defenses.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • There is little doubt that this is a rapidly developing field and that there are tremendous upsides to be had, but at the same time, regrettably, hidden risks and outright gotchas come into these endeavors, too.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
  • By any measure, Antioch’s Brooke White has had a tremendous freshman season, starting for a state title contender, playing a sterling second base and leading the team in hitting.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Mullin took over from former Secretary Kristi Noem in March after she was fired not long after lawmakers pressed her about the department’s massive spending.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 4 June 2026
  • The massive red-brick building opened in 1900 and 12 million immigrants passed through its halls before the island closed in 1954.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Then there was every journalist, every giant corporation, trying to chase the same story.
    Steve Dollar, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
  • Sincere saunters into the villa wearing a tiny velour jacket and a giant winning smile that immediately puts me on guard.
    Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • And while the hours and hours of practice certainly honed the sisters’ skills, their parents can’t explain where the girls got their immense physical gifts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • Whoever wins will face immense pressure as San Mateo County, like many other local governments across California, faces fiscal uncertainties with state and federal funding sources.
    Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Through the glass windows of the colossal open kitchen, guests can watch Singita’s sous chefs in action—they’re also welcome to barge right in and watch (and help in) the preparation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • The colossal patty, mostly ribeye augmented by short rib and chuck, is cooked medium rare, tender and juicy without getting mushy or soggy.
    Tony Sachs, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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