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 Lottery players in Nebraska can choose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Jay Cannon, USA Today, 17 May 2025 From raw material cultivation to textile finishing, nearly every stage of production relies on manufacturers’ access to vast quantities of clean, affordable water. Ken Katz, Sourcing Journal, 5 May 2025 So far, the vast majority (around 97%) of cases in 2025 have been in people who had no record of being vaccinated. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 While the federal government collects and retains vast quantities of information about individual Americans, the computer databases have typically been kept separate from each other to preserve personal privacy. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • Tesla sales have experienced a huge international decline, leaving room for competitors to gain momentum.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • So, that was a huge surprise, but brilliant storytelling, as far as I’m concerned.
    Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • From the rooftop balcony, views over dune to the sea, of the enormous windmills, and across to the port reveal its unimaginable scale.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Heisman winner Ingram led a ground-and-pound offense, while McClain and enormous defensive tackle Cody — who blocked a last-second field goal to survive Lane Kiffin-led Tennessee — became the faces of a defense that allowed just 11.7 points per game.
    Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the spring of 2022, Russian forces trapped a large group of Ukrainians inside a gigantic steel factory called Azovstal, in southern Ukraine.
    Simon Shuster, Time, 16 May 2025
  • What all of these cases have in common is a truly gigantic deer, and then, sadly, lots of discord within the hunting community.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is a tremendous difference between getting the two countries to step back from the brink of war and facilitating a permanent solution to an 80-year dispute.
    Lisa Curtis, Foreign Affairs, 13 May 2025
  • Nonetheless, Schaffer’s golden opportunity comes with tremendous obstacles.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • The massive undersea volcano reaches more than 3,600 feet above the seabed is located 300 miles offshore.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Boston has constructed massive leads in each game, often to begin them.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since 2013, two giant sculptures of soaring eagles with 50-foot wingspans—one of which carried the wizard Gandalf on its back—have welcomed travelers to New Zealand’s Wellington International Airport.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 May 2025
  • Trying to wrestle the gun away from one another, the boys take shelter behind what appears to be a giant outdoor fan.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • But, the scale of need is immense, and supporting everyone who requires urgent help requires a far greater response than the efforts of civil society organizations alone.
    Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
  • And the strain of being out in the air in those conditions is immense.
    Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • This sudden flash of light accompanied by a colossal burst of subatomic particles is called a solar flare.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 1 May 2025
  • The scientists hope to eventually be able to capture an adult colossal squid on camera.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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