vast

adjective

ˈvast How to pronounce vast (audio)
Definition of vastnext
as in huge
unusually large a vast expanse of land just waiting to be settled

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Adams used a laser pointer to draw lions on the sky, tracing the constellation Leo—which, like other signs of the Western zodiac, comes from Greek astronomy—then the Great Arabian Lion, a vast constellation that seemed to cover half the cosmos. —Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2025 What with the tropical temperatures in the U.K. this week, the vast majority of the female population has been drifting through recent days in variations on summer’s by now ubiquitous boho skirt. —Kerry McDermott, Vogue, 13 July 2025 With a double harbor set at the tip of a long and sinewy peninsula on a highly strategic coastline, Knidos grew rich from its favorable natural position and from trading wine, olive oil and vast quantities of amphorae. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 Police pointed out that the vast majority of deaths at the time occurred after the park’s closing time and encouraged community members to be mindful of local rules. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for vast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast
  1. huge
  2. enormous
  3. gigantic
  4. tremendous
  5. massive
  6. giant
  7. immense
  8. colossal
Adjective
  • Compared to a lot of other activities, games have this huge social mould.
    — Joshua Lamb, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • 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
Definition of huge
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
  • There will be immediate deduction of research and development, which sounds like a snoozer but historically has brought about a gigantic geyser of money toward the creation of new products, which need lots of equipment to test and build.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 July 2025
  • The main event seems like a formality with Hangman Adam Page a gigantic favorite to win.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
Definition of gigantic
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
  • Then, as is the nature of the business, the parent company of Fueled By Ramen went through a massive shakeup.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025
  • Even though no funding has been cut, Jackson condemned the administration, contending the effect of the pause is going to be massive and could result in North Carolina firing about 1,000 educators.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
Definition of massive
Adjective
  • The lawmakers had arrived for the tour following reports of unsanitary and inhumane conditions including worms in food, wastewater on the floor, and giant mosquitoes.
    — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
  • The only thing worse than seeing a giant stain on your favorite white piece of clothing is having your whole white wardrobe start to grey and yellow.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Definition of giant
Adjective
  • The question of whether the ambitious December train reopening will be met hangs in the balance, an indication of the immense effort still required.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
  • While the administration's overall approach to immigration, for instance, was viewed more negatively than positively among all voters, with 42% approving and 47% disapproving, in a Pew Research Center survey in June, the partisan gulf is immense.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 July 2025
Definition of immense
Adjective
  • It’s believed that the 26-year-old will earn a yearly salary of around $23m, a colossal figure considering his wages in Bergamo amounted to $3.1m per-season.
    — Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Swansea, who finished a colossal 86 places above Wrexham as recently as 2019-20, will be their divisional peers next time around — the first time the clubs have been in the same division since 2003.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Definition of colossal

Browse Nearby Words

varying
vast
vastitude
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Nglish: Translation of vast for Spanish Speakers

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