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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

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 immense Litigation against Fox by Dominion Voting Systems unearthed internal communications at the outlet showing the immense pressure network executives and hosts were under to retain audience as Trump contested the election’s result. Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024 The artist powered through despite experiencing immense grief and was back on the stage performing three weeks after Holly died. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024 Despite its astounding progress and immense promise, AI is now vying for the dubious distinction of being one of the most mistrusted industries. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 Barack and Michelle Obama have continued to achieve lasting influence with their respective careers, and their last name rightfully holds an immense reputation. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for immense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
Adjective
  • At the bottom was a chain-link fence with an enormous hole.
    Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Warren Buffett’s iconic investment and holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, is shedding its stake in Apple, bite by byte, and building an enormous cash pile — $325 billion at the moment.
    Peter Green, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Standing soybeans, freshly cut corn, or any other crop with waist grain on the ground can be great.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
  • However, the great tit is the species that has busted open a window into understanding animal social learning for scientists.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • In the vast majority of cases, the products were dropped off without any interaction between the buyer and the delivery person, according to the study.
    Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • More than 3,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon over the last year, the vast majority in the past six weeks.
    Reuters, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • North Carolina State University researchers found that deer movement can be excellent the last hour of daylight during the last-quarter phase of the moon.
    Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
  • The improved adaptive cruise control is excellent at slow speeds and in stop-and-go traffic.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Already, with SpaceX’s growing inventory of Starlink internet satellites, Musk has tremendous control over how the world communicates, and has maintained Starlink’s independence from the U.S. government and others.
    Marina Koren, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • One of the couple's other children, daughter Emily, testified that her mother had another affair in 2009 and her parents' relationship was under tremendous stress, according to FOX 5.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The box includes only a USB-A-to-USB-C cable for charging. Sound: Powerful Bass and Clean Highs Simply put, the Bose SoundLink Home sounds wonderful.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
  • Then there’s Cleo’s nervy 30-something daughter, Grace — the wonderful Zoë Geltman — who’s always been the good girl but whose loins are newly afire for her brother-in-law, Roy (Gabriel Brown).
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The details of the deal aren’t a huge deal in the grand scheme of things for the franchise, but Moody inked a sweet contract and can play himself into even more money.
    Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
  • Here's a huge price drop on a very capable convertible Chromebook.
    K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • One evening when the boat is moored in Viviers, we are served a terrific barbecue dinner on the Upper Vista Deck.
    James Rampton, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024
  • Note, too, that the last two presidential campaigns included the two combatants in this year’s race for the White House, yet stocks enjoyed terrific returns during both administrations.
    John Buckingham, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near immense

Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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