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.
As great as the movie-logging social platform is for discovering films, it’s even better for being nosy.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
“They were out there looking for him, the soldiers were all over the place looking for him because they knew he was somewhere. A lot of great things happened.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
“Hag” is a promising showcase for all involved, teeming with great ideas, splashy kills, loud laughs and a just-dreamlike-enough atmosphere to push my affection beyond irony.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
Jon added that the response from the public already "has been great" and is "hoping" that A-listers who are Jaws fans, like Tom Cruise, will venture over for a tour.
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
“Your dad’s a great writer. It’s kind of depressing, though.”
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
