vast

1 of 2

adjective

ˈvast How to pronounce vast (audio)
Synonyms of vast
: very great in size, amount, degree, intensity, or especially in extent or range
vast knowledge
a vast expanse
vastness
ˈvas(t)-nəs How to pronounce vast (audio)
noun

vast

2 of 2

noun

: a boundless space
… the vast of heaven …—John Milton

Synonyms of vast

Relevance

Adjective

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Choose the Right Synonym for vast

enormous, immense, huge, vast, gigantic, colossal, mammoth 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

huge commonly suggests an immensity of bulk or amount.

incurred a huge debt

vast usually suggests immensity of extent.

the vast Russian steppes

gigantic stresses the contrast with the size of others of the same kind.

a gigantic sports stadium

colossal applies especially to a human creation of stupendous or incredible dimensions.

a colossal statue of Lincoln

mammoth suggests both hugeness and ponderousness of bulk.

a mammoth boulder

Examples of vast in a Sentence

Adjective She has a vast amount of knowledge on this subject. The policy is supported by the vast majority of citizens. a vast expanse of land
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Working again with the vast Northeastern producer group $$$–almost all of whom are individually credited on, like, every track–Bank$ and his preacher friend talk to God over spare keys and groaning nautical machinery. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 19 Oct. 2026 The world is vast and people’s minds are just these amazing maelstroms, for good or for ill. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 The goal On paper, Connecticut has a vast network of resources and opportunities available to students looking to find a career path. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 The Italian painter, one of his favorites, had drawn inspiration from the city’s vast squares, long arcades and unusual arrangements of light and shadow. — Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vast

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Latin vāstus or vastus "devoid of habitation, desolate, dreary," also, "of great size, immense," probably in part continuing Indo-European *h1u̯eh2-sto- (whence Old High German wuosti "empty, deserted," Old English wēste, Old Irish fás), in part conflated with another base *wast- of uncertain origin

Noun

noun derivative of vast entry 1, perhaps by analogy with deep entry 1, deep entry 3

First Known Use

Adjective

1585, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vast was in 1585

Rhymes for vast

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Browse Nearby Words

vassar tan
vast
vastation
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Cite this Entry

“Vast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vast. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vast

adjective
ˈvast
: very great in extent, size, amount, degree, or intensity
a vast stretch of desert
vast knowledge
vastly adverb
vastness
ˈvas(t)-nəs
noun
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