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.
James Woolery, former senior partner at Cravath who later founded his own law firm, said Barshay always wanted to be a great M&A lawyer.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
The Sky said in a statement Monday that the “trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
He makes good money, but not great money.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
He had also cemented himself as one of America’s great thinkers on leadership.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
The great golden organ was one that Mozart had played, and some of its notes seemed to come from heaven itself.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
