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 The lack of Belichick and Kraft caused immense consternation in the NFL world in the days leading up to the official announcement, which took place at the NFL Honors. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Guest quarters are immense, with sunken bathtubs, Porthault sheets upon request on beds in cozy alcoves, and either a terrace or a porch. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026 Kingdom Come, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, in particular has shown immense staying power. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 6 Feb. 2026 Yet Israel faced immense scrutiny for its response to Hamas’ attacks. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for immense
  1. enormous
  2. great
  3. vast
  4. excellent
  5. huge
  6. wonderful
  7. tremendous
  8. terrific
Adjective
  • Wall Street wants to see evidence that these enormous expenditures will result in actual profits.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • Republican leaders must stay closely aligned with Trump, of course, while Schumer and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are under enormous pressure to resist the president.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of enormous
Adjective
  • There’s also a 55% greater chance of obesity and a 40% higher probability of developing type 2 diabetes.
    — Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Punishing success is a great formula for losing the successful.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • But Greater Miami is vast, and its different neighborhoods all have their own vibe and appeal.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In fact, knowing that this is only a sample of how women are leading the efforts highlights just how immense and vast their contributions are.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.
    — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • And also there’s a huge music staff with a lot of know-how and really, really deep knowledge and contacts and relationships in that space.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Caudle told The Associated Press in a recent interview that his vision is to deploy smaller, newer ships when possible instead of consistently turning to huge aircraft carriers.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • Playing a thinly disguised version of himself, Reynolds is, as Schneeberger and Neibaur point out, funny, exasperating, and moving, and Rifkin’s impeccable tailoring of the role to fit his star gives Reynolds a wonderful summation with which to end his career.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Welcome to the wonderful world of better coffee.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • The jump requires tremendous power, accuracy and stability to withstand extreme landing forces, which can be up to eight times the skater's body weight.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Schwesinger was the favorite coming into the night after a tremendous year at middle linebacker for a formidable Browns defense despite what the record may say in 2025.
    — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • In fact, Super Bowls are terrific opportunities to break out the slow cooker.
    — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Adventures on both land and sea make Belize a popular destination, and its beaches and resorts are terrific for visitors who simply want to relax and enjoy the tropical climate.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of terrific

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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on immense

Nglish: Translation of immense for Spanish Speakers

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