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.
“They’ll say ‘I’m a great listener’ and then continue interrupting the interviewer.”
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
“It will be a great joy to welcome you to our church,” read the letter sent by leaders of North Korea’s state-sanctioned Protestant and Catholic churches.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026
If Iran accepts these objectives during diplomatic talks, great.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
"It brings great closure to everybody that this individual is behind bars," Garland said.
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
I could no longer even pray for family and friends by name, so great was the fear and longing wrapped around each one.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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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