great
Usage
What are other ways to say great?
In reference to the size and extent of concrete objects, great is highly formal and even poetic, suggesting also that the object is notable or imposing, large is only somewhat formal, and big is the most general and most colloquial word: a great oak; a large tree; a big tree; great plains; a large field; a big field. When the reference is to degree or a quality, great is the usual word: great beauty; great mistake; great surprise; although big sometimes alternates with it in colloquial style: a big mistake; a big surprise; large is usually not used in reference to degree, but may be used in a quantitative reference: a large number (great number).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
During one of the great New York sports parties of the century, they were fast asleep.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
None of this is a great sign of what’s to come in the remaining cases.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
Under California law, police agencies are generally required to release to the public audio and video recordings of police shootings and other critical incidents involving great bodily injury within 45 days of the incident.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
Tom Mueller, SpaceX’s first employee, called Shotwell a great example of Musk’s eye for talent.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026
Eventually, Pasteur will unravel the three great biological mysteries of his time—fermentation, decay, and infection.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
Vocabulary lists containing great
Spelling Practice, Unit 8
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Spelling Practice, Unit 8
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Spelling Practice 1, Unit 5
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