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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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
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.
Adjective
Separately, Shaman likened El Niño to a large burner on a stovetop, heating the atmosphere across a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and leading to more global heat extremes, particularly for next summer if current forecasts pan out. — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 In some areas, vast sandbanks have emerged, cargo shipping has been disrupted, tourism has suffered, and even electricity generation has been affected as river levels continue to fall. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 The property’s woodlands of oak, chestnut and pine trees host a vast number of natural botanicals; the Mediterranean scrub ultimately defines Gin del Drago’s aromatic profile and showcases the biodiversity of the estate in a glass. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The vast retail sprawl of Westfield Stratford City shopping centre sits at its heart. — Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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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