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.
Guardiola has a great bench if anyone gets injured, but his team picks itself at the moment.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026
And that’s exactly what they did, Hachimura hitting a three, Kennard hitting a three, James scoring twice on back-in layups and then making a great steal at midcourt.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026
Sometimes the diversity of Christian habits and practice is so great that readers will marvel at Mr. Sutton’s creativity in bringing it all together.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
Of course, fresh bulbs of garlic are also a great option.
From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026
“I’ve stayed in bed most of the time, honestly—” she stopped while great coughs shook her.
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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