immense

adjective

i-ˈmen(t)s How to pronounce immense (audio)
Definition of immensenext
1
as in enormous
unusually large the elephant was simply immense, even as elephants go

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in great
of the very best kind we had simply an immense time at the luxury resort

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word immense distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of immense are colossal, enormous, gigantic, huge, mammoth, and vast. While all these words mean "exceedingly large," 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

When might colossal be a better fit than immense?

Although the words colossal and immense have much in common, colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

When can gigantic be used instead of immense?

While in some cases nearly identical to immense, gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

When is huge a more appropriate choice than immense?

While the synonyms huge and immense are close in meaning, huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

Where would mammoth be a reasonable alternative to immense?

The words mammoth and immense can be used in similar contexts, but mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

When could vast be used to replace immense?

The words vast and immense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

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 immense Some have taken to online platforms blaming federal funding cuts for the immense loss of life. —Rachel Royster july 11, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 Haughey expressed immense gratitude for the community's response, noting an increase in volunteers, donations and foster inquiries. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 8 July 2025 The impacts on health coverage are likely to be immense. —Joseph Choi, The Hill, 7 July 2025 In an increasingly demanding academic environment, with pressures to publish, secure grants, and manage larger class sizes, the temptation to leverage AI for efficiency is immense. —Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
  1. enormous
  2. great
  3. vast
  4. excellent
  5. tremendous
  6. wonderful
  7. huge
  8. terrific
Adjective
  • After Assad fell, Israel swiftly launched an enormous countrywide air campaign targeting the remnants of his military stockpiles.
    — Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Among the projects will be the construction of data centers to help provide the enormous amounts of energy needed to power AI.
    — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 15 July 2025
Definition of enormous
Adjective
  • This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups and organizations.
    — Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Definition of great
Adjective
  • First, keep in mind that AGI and ASI will have been data trained by the vast stores of human writing.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • In the United States, childhood vaccine coverage has been declining, and the vast majority of measles cases this year – more than 90% – have been in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • This Dyson model is lightweight and has powerful suction and motorized tools that are excellent for getting hair out of carpets and upholstery.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The hiding spot seemed like an excellent spot for avoiding the sun and potential predators, but Fowler didn't feel quite the same.
    — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • This accessible game seems simple but has tremendous replayability and strategic depth.
    — Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025
  • The left-handed hitter has a smooth clean swing with tremendous bat-to-ball skills that includes great vision.
    — Jim Bowden, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • This no-churn ice cream recipe extracts all the wonderful flavor from the corn by simmering both the kernels and cobs in whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk to make sure every bite is filled with corn flavor.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 July 2025
  • So many wonderful age gap and power dynamics going on in this novel that really set the tone for a whole generation of writers to come.
    — Hattie Williams July 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Even a small flock of hens can bring a huge amount of enjoyment (and fresh eggs) to your homestead life.
    — Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2025
  • Tech giants buying stakes in rivals attracts the attention of antitrust regulators, but hiring decisions do not, The New York Times reported; Google’s huge outlay is comparable to a soccer team paying a transfer fee to acquire a top player’s contract.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • The Packers failed to build on their terrific finish to the 2023 campaign, settled for the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs, and lost a Wild Card game to eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Smartphone Deals An ultra-bright screen, terrific build quality, and powerful AI tools made the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL a winner in our book, and our expert gave it an excellent rating in our review.
    — Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 12 July 2025
Definition of terrific

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immense
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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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