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.
For context, Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 53 times in 60 appearances in the same competition.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
We have great news for you,” Colson said in a Thursday Instagram post.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026
It’s great for dinner parties or a casual happy hour snack and will have everyone thinking you paid for catering.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
“I want him to be independent and just do a great job. Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody, just do your own thing and do a great job.”
From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026
Now we were crossing the Grote Markt, the walls of the great cathedral glowing a thousand shades of gray in the crystal light.
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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