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.
Trump returned the affection, calling him a great leader.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026
Find some great video clips of amazing shots to ignite their imaginations.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: "This is great news and long overdue. Now the government must right a terrible wrong and help the Chagossians to fully resettle their home."
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
“We have a great view of the moon out window two,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
The truth is that I do want to please her and tell her that my anxiety hasn’t been great.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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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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