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 However, walking around the building reveals a vast and active construction site, the cathedral bristling with cranes and scaffolding, surrounded by offices and workshops. Michael T. Davis, The New York Review of Books, 23 May 2026 Stars within our own or in neighboring galaxies are too close to us, measured against the vast scale of the universe. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 23 May 2026 The vast majority of lesions dermatologists examine with the dermatoscope are benign, Wei notes. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026 Larger than the state of Delaware and covering 2,211 square miles, Park County is a vast area with only 18,000 permanent residents. Collaborative Colorado, Denver Post, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • The sneakers aren’t hard to find because Hoka has built a huge following of shoppers who are loyal to its ultra-cushioned and ready-for-anything designs.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2026
  • For the past five years, Pina has led YouTube’s business, creator and content biz across EMEA, working with talent ranging from nascent digital creators to huge studios.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • The company said powerful AI systems require enormous computing resources, most of which still depend on chips designed by American and allied firms.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026
  • The Maxwells are enormous and heavy, with their massive 90mm drivers, while the Omnis are smaller and lighter, weighing nearly 340 grams.
    Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Yeah, add that to the long list of unsupported claims about these vaccines that have ranged from various anti-vaxxers asserting that the vaccines will turn you into a gigantic magnet to attributing seemingly every celebrity illness and death during the COVID-19 pandemic to the COVID-19 vaccines.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • There on the screen, staring back at me, are two gigantic black eyes and a mischievous smile stitched on a massive, crocheted head — features of the mysterious, endlessly cheeky mask that has become Chuyin’s signature.
    Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • Black entrepreneurs continue to face tremendous obstacles securing funding, city contracts and institutional support.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2026
  • 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, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • After guests complete extensive health forms, obtain medical approval and attend a mandatory safety briefing the day prior to the trip, they’re whisked by private chauffeurs to the international airport, where either a massive Airbus A340 or a more cozy Gulfstream G550 jet awaits.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026
  • The massive stage comprised three ramps extending the length of a football field that were frequently alight in a Candyland of colors and two oversized video screens flanking a metallic structure that looked like an inverted ski jump.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 21 May 2026
Adjective
  • Dallas is taking a giant leap into the future of law enforcement, as drones will start responding to some police calls in the city.
    J.D. Miles, CBS News, 20 May 2026
  • The whole store was like a giant magic hat.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Not just for the waterfall itself, which is, of course, immense, dramatic and incredibly photogenic; but also because few destinations offer so many different experiences all in one relatively compact area.
    Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026
  • The Milky Way has grown through galactic cannibalism, or when a large galaxy eats a small galaxy and uses immense gravitational force to absorb its stars and gas.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • But the best way to get to the heart of this colossal place is to learn about the Grand Canyon’s role as a major sacred site to Native Americans.
    Matt Bell, AFAR Media, 19 May 2026
  • At the center lies a colossal 18,000-square-foot contemporary mansion designed by acclaimed architect Arturo Ponce de Leon and built by MCA.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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