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.
In 2019, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were welcomed to North Korea with great pomp and fanfare to celebrate the two countries' "unbreakable friendship".
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
"These days are what you play for. But, like I said, I've still got a lot of work to do, and it's just great to put the England shirt back on and be here."
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
The IPO will feel like an exclusive party, where having a ticket feels great.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
Then you see another great performance and, you know, you order tickets.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
Captain Colayco is celebrated as a great freedom fighter.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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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