VAST Synonyms: 123 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

vast

adjective

ˈvast

Definition of vast next

as in huge

unusually large a vast expanse of land just waiting to be settled

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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

Examples 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 Every human being is a vast mosaic of cells that are mostly identical, but different here or there, from one cell or group of cells to the next. —

Amber Dance, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2025 Kate Knibbs Rich Men Rule the World The holders of the vast majority of the world’s wealth? —

Kat Merck, WIRED, 17 Jan. 2025 The military campaign has leveled vast swaths of Gaza, and pushed about 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes. —

Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 But residents, who are growing increasingly frustrated, still cannot access vast evacuation zones blocked off by members of the National Guard and law enforcement officers. —

Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for vast

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vast

Adjective

Other than Yoon, high-ranking officials under investigation include the former defense minister, the head of the Army Special Warfare Command, as well as the head of the Defense Intelligence Command, raising huge questions over the nation's security preparedness.

— Charlie Campbell, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
However, there are a huge number of potentially harmful contaminants that are not regulated, meaning that their levels in drinking water are neither monitored nor controlled.

— Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025