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.
While SpaceX's debut has generated great buzz, there are also questions about whether Musk's promise of putting data centers in space and sending rockets to Mars will actually materialize and deliver profit.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Nonetheless, just two short paragraphs generated a great deal of controversy.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
During the 2024 campaign, while Kamala Harris campaigned with Cardi B, Mr. Trump enlisted the better-known nonentertainer Elon Musk to great effect at rallies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
‘The current selloff seems like a great opportunity to put some additional money to work in the precious-metals market.’
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
We would sit down at midday with all the other refugees in the great dining hall and eat good hot food.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
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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