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.
That undermines investors thinking about investing in this great, big American economy.
From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026
AI- and aerospace-related manufacturing had a great year not because of tariffs—both were largely exempt—but because underlying conditions played to existing American strengths.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
“Having the leadership to be able to articulate that message to her administrators is a great thing. Solidarity is a great thing, but we now have unity.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
“It’s not a great look, at least to some, and including some in Congress, that large banks are getting paid a lot of interest by the Fed,” Duffie said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026
Not so great at the verbal kind, though.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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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