large
Usage
What are other ways to say large?
In reference to the size and extent of concrete objects, large is somewhat formal, great is highly formal and even poetic, suggesting also that the object is notable or imposing, and big is the most general and most colloquial word: a large tree; a great oak; a big tree; a large field; great plains; 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.
Saudi Arabia is still exporting large volumes through a pipeline that carries oil to the Red Sea, bypassing Hormuz.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
Your son feels entitled to a large sum of money to purchase his first house, and what good is it doing in your bank and brokerage accounts?
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
They’d been expecting a large file, but sorting through 400 pages was overwhelming at first.
From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026
River and features a large wetland area with nature trails.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
He was a clergyman friend of ours, pastor in a small town outside of Haarlem, and his home was set back from the street in a large wooded park.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
