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.
He rarely performed, although he later brought his spiritual quest into his music in compositions such as "Patanjali," named for the great yoga master.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
“Santiago was great for me, great for the team, and I think we were very forthright, up front, about the expectation, so I think he respected that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
It now intercepts a vast proportion of drones and missiles – although Russia often fires them in such great numbers they overwhelmed air defences and many do get through.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
It also happens to be one of the great budget desserts; the kind that quietly rewards the cook who knows how to stretch, repurpose and revive.
From Salon • May 25, 2026
“That’ll help a great deal with getting good offers.”
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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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