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.
See Examples For:
They were two great strikes from Everton which got two goals, but I think there was encouragement from United's point of view.
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026
“After testing it out and seeing how much he had saved,” Lipinski said, “he brought it to a team meeting and everyone immediately thought it was a great idea.”
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
Many private-market investors view investments in Musk’s orbit—which also include Tesla and SpaceX—as sure things and are willing to go to great lengths to participate in funding rounds.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026
Obviously, he’s a great player, but he doesn’t get the attention.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
At first Betsie and I called these meetings with great timidity.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
She has indicated she will remain in the sport, but for now, there is time to savour an extraordinary career, with her place among boxing's greats set in stone.
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026
Despite his tough start on the international stage, Messi went on to become one of the all-time greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
A poetic circle: Wynton followed the greats, and posthumously, they followed him back.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 24, 2026
Through 1953 National League Rookie of the Year Jim Gilliam, who spent three seasons with the Baltimore Elite Giants of the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers, Baker met several Negro League greats.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
He would not be made a fool of, even by one of the greats.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
Researchers believe programs that address several risk factors at once may offer greater benefits because Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are affected by multiple aspects of health and lifestyle.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026
Things that are hearty and comforting, endlessly accommodating and somehow greater than the sum of their decidedly humble parts.
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
It was followed by a "second detonation of much greater magnitude," he said, adding that the cause and the material that exploded were still being determined.
From Barron's ● Sep. 5, 2026
The move would mean “new markets for American workers and for American businesses, but it also means greater prosperity for the people of Armenia,” Vance said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
Especially when your dad is George Rowley, owner of Chokecherry Real Estate, the largest—and the only—real estate agency in Chokecherry and greater Shadbush County.
From "Linked" by Gordon Korman
It says it is increasing probation and community funding by £700m and making sure offenders who pose the greatest risk receive more face-to-face supervision.
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
But when asked about Rafer Johnson, one of the world’s greatest decathlon competitors who won a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games, Benson said, “I guess I don’t know of him.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2026
The final part of the strategy focuses on organizing healthcare services so that patients at greatest risk can be recognized quickly and receive timely care from both cardiologists and nephrologists.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 6, 2026
To commemorate the event, one of its greatest heroes, Maj.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
He called the greatest minds from all twelve tribes of his people to hear how they thought this problem might be solved.
From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny
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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