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.
“Maybe they’re on a cruise somewhere, or in Hawaii or some other great place. We want those pictures,” Levin said in a video soliciting images from the public.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
He said he wanted "to continue to build on our great legacy on and off the pitch for our fans, our players, coaches and staff, and our community".
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
This is a great fan base, to me much more frustrated than angry, waiting to erupt in joy.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
Enjoy your weekend with all the great reads below.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026
‘All you need to know is that there was a great fire, and the Soul-Eaters were scattered. Some were badly wounded. All went into hiding. We thought the threat had gone forever. We were wrong.’
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
