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.
It is a curiously large squad for the first Test of the summer, especially after England have had so much time to make their plans – almost five months since the Ashes ended.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
A new group of seven or eight “employees” was seen regularly going in and out of the building carrying a large number of suitcases.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
"Without vendors, I don't think Hanoi is Hanoi anymore," said Nguyen Thi Hoan, 58, who used to sell flowers on the pavement outside a large downtown apartment complex.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
A tiny flow of vessels, including some large oil and gas tankers, are making the dangerous transit with help from the U.S. military, in some cases turning off lights and automatic navigation systems.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
He was an only child, he told me, and had never been part of a large family, until now, that is.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
