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.
“It’s not a great look, at least to some, and including some in Congress, that large banks are getting paid a lot of interest by the Fed,” Duffie said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026
“Helping them modernize and take advantage of the digital age is a great role for philanthropic dollars and something I’m proud to support,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
“I had a great time playing him,” Meloni said in his Instagram message.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026
Someone who was great fun to be around but also very calm - unless he was playing on the PlayStation.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
I could no longer even pray for family and friends by name, so great was the fear and longing wrapped around each one.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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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