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.
We got to be great in all those areas.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026
“It’s a great time for us as a software company as well because software is going to become increasingly important.”
From Barron's • May 5, 2026
O'Neill gave "great credit" to Hearts for "going strongly at it and being able to stay there" and said Sunday's clash between Celtic and Rangers can no longer be viewed as a title showdown.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
His albums ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’ were great rock collections.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026
We took great comfort and courage from her endless patience and perseverance.
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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