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.
As great as the movie-logging social platform is for discovering films, it’s even better for being nosy.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
And looking great is one of the worst things you can do for your marriage.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026
"I've wanted this fight for ages and we should give the fans a great fight in women's boxing," added the former undisputed light-welterweight champion.
From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026
“Last year’s team was a great team,” Kirstie said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026
Did they actually look like doors, or were they merely great balls of light floating above the forest floor?
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
