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.
Few in private equity started 2026 with great optimism about their industry’s fundraising prospects.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Said Garcia: “It pushed us to show we’re a great team.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
"It's a great thing going forward for the environment and will be influential in helping take a lot of litter off the streets," he said.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
The sustainability of this spending matters a great deal for deciding whether stocks are expensive.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
She stood very erect and glared down at me as if I was the one who had caused the great disruption.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
