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 Venezuelans are assessing the vast scale of their losses 12 days after powerful twin earthquakes killed at least 3,535 people, injured many more and left behind immense destruction. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 6 July 2026 For example, Schlachte explains that running local AI inferencing requires immense memory bandwidth. — John Burek, PC Magazine, 5 July 2026 There are numerous parallels between Hamilton and Elon Musk, both visionary immigrants with grand ambitions, immense energy, and many overlapping ventures. — Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026 England saw off an immense challenge from Mexico, beating one of the tournament co-hosts in their home stadium after seeing one player sent off in a game that will go down as one of the best of the 2026 World Cup. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 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
  • Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova transformed from a serene hangout spot into an enormous fun-fest fit for a nation’s 250th birthday on Friday.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
  • Over time, these little communication shifts can create enormous changes in your home.
    — Siggie Cohen, CNBC, 4 July 2026
Definition of enormous
Adjective
  • William's sixth-great-grandfather was born in Coventry in 1740 and enlisted as a private in the Connecticut militia.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Leave some messiness in your garden and leave the leaves, as decaying leaves are great habitat for fireflies.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Competitive eaters expand their stomach capacity to hold vast amounts of food.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • In a vast contrast to 1776, chronic diseases now account for most American deaths, because people generally live long enough to develop them.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of vast
Adjective
  • While San Francisco’s bullpen is struggling, Rogers is in the midst of another excellent season after signing a three-year, $37 million deal to join the defending American League champions.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Guests can borrow, for no charge, one of four Mate e-bikes for spins around the park or beyond, say to Tanimachi nearby for local neighborhood vibes, including charming izakayas, gyoza shops, and excellent, one-woman restaurants such as Tachiaoi.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Benjamin Willis, a Lorain, Ohio, teenager and huge Marvel movie fan, opened his mouth in awe.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
  • That water supply is not the same water supply that goes toward agriculture, which accounts for a huge portion of the water used in the country, Anisfeld said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of huge
Adjective
  • The animals, the cool weather and the wonderful people of this region made for a memorable trip.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Bat boxes are a wonderful addition to your yard for attracting bats and giving them a safe place to live.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 July 2026
Definition of wonderful
Adjective
  • Fit to start the season, LAFC played tremendous soccer as Eustáquio calmly choreographed the team.
    — Josh Gross, Daily News, 4 July 2026
  • The success of SpaceX is going to create tremendous energy and attention in the capital markets.
    — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 3 July 2026
Definition of tremendous
Adjective
  • Conwell played off the ball a lot but showed a nifty handle when given the chance, delivering a terrific pass in transition for a Jahmir Young score and swerving past a defender on a neat move to the basket before missing a shot at the rim.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • He has been blessed with terrific talent but clearly has melded that talent to win games and keep the clubhouse on the same page.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of terrific

Browse Nearby Words

immemorial
immense
immensely
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Cite this Entry

“Immense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/immense. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on immense

Nglish: Translation of immense for Spanish Speakers

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