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.
The new units, and a separate building for intake and services, are to be built on a five-acre, tree-studded field commonly known as the Great Lawn at the intersection of Wilshire and San Vicente boulevards.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Human bones, including a skull, were due to go under the hammer on Friday, but Great Western Auctions withdrew the item for sale after being contacted by BBC Scotland News.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Our malaise wasn’t helped by the White House’s announced concert lineup at the Great American State Fair, scheduled to run in Washington, D.C., from June 25 to July 10.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
“Every year, one or two or three statues were erected. But they didn’t honor Lenin or Stalin. The statues were of Alexander I, of Peter the Great, of Catherine, of Nicholas I.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
“And apparently I just ran around on a regular broom. Great idea, genius.”
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
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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