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.
Torres Moreno “was ready for a great day at the park with his friends and family, but tragedy took him from us too soon,” according to the page.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 25, 2026
European tourists having a great time in America have been a recurring bit on my social media feeds lately, and perhaps on yours too.
From Slate • Jun. 25, 2026
"A proud Bradfordian, his extraordinary success brought great distinction to our district and helped place Bradford firmly on the global cultural map," he said.
From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026
“I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends,” Trump wrote on social media.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 25, 2026
But she was a great big robust woman.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
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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