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 By running as an NPA, Pizzo hopes to appeal to a vast electorate alienated by both major parties. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025 The lander would also need to run on non-rechargeable batteries, because the vast distance to the Sun would make solar panels prohibitively massive. ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025 Following the German occupation of Paris in 1940, Ms. Valland, an unpaid assistant at the Jeu de Paume museum, began to secretly document the Nazis’ theft of vast amounts of artwork from France’s public institutions and private Jewish collections. Erin Douglass, Christian Science Monitor, 29 May 2025 His presentation said that, even if some of the vehicles were stopped, the vast majority would be able to get away. R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
Adjective
  • Okonkwo made a huge impression in north Wales and his move was made permanent last summer on a free transfer.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Lamine’s extension is another huge statement from FC Barcelona After seeing Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Raphinha all commit in the last few months, tying down Lamine is another huge statement from President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.
    Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Beyond these rooms is a meditation space/guest room with an enormous Buddha.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025
  • Like Musk, Venis is obsessed with going to outer space and with using his enormous war chest to build hyperscale data centers to create powerful anti-woke AI systems.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • In numerous ways, the loss of Fernandes would be a gigantic blow for United.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • This gigantic bet-and-get offer is exclusively available to new DraftKings customers who use the code and register today.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • The adaptation takes the game’s hugely engaging story and expands it for the screen, bringing tremendous performances, stunning effects, and impeccably shot action.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Thank you all for your tremendous support and dedication in our fight to secure a fair contract!
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Earps also made a massive impact off the field, calling out Nike for not selling replica women’s goalkeeper shirts during the World Cup — and winning.
    Emily Olsen, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • After their massive breakthrough and worldwide success, all eyes are on Turnstile.
    Lawrence Burney, Pitchfork, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Richman sits behind two giant computer monitors atop an enormous desk that’s directly below an even bigger monitor displaying the rough cut.
    Kelly Stout, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2025
  • The last one on the right is now empty, cleared of clothes, cleats, camouflage Crocs and the giant National League Gold Glove trophy that sat on a middle shelf.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite her immense health challenges, Hind has refused to let her illness define her.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 25 May 2025
  • Plants flower on both old and new wood, producing two flushes of blooms with immense staying power.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 May 2025
Adjective
  • Only five of the colossal machines have ever been shipped.
    Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 22 May 2025
  • Here in this vast sandy landscape (also known as the Empty Quarter), colossal dunes create a breathtaking setting for stargazing — an activity that the resort can organize.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vast. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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