1
2
a
: large in number or measure : numerous
great multitudes
b
: predominant
the great majority
3
: remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness
great bloodshed
4
—used as a generalized term of approval
had a great time
It was just great.
5
a
: eminent, distinguished
a great poet
b
: aristocratic, grand
great ladies
c
: chief or preeminent over others
—often used in titles
Lord Great Chamberlain
6
: markedly superior in character or quality
7
a
: remarkably skilled
great at tennis
b
: marked by enthusiasm : keen
great on science fiction
8
: more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative
great-grandfather
9
: long continued
a great while
11
: full of emotion
great with anger
plural great or greats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
a tribute to the greats of baseball
Examples of great in a Sentence
Adjective
all creatures great and small
The project will require a great amount of time and money.
The building was restored at great expense.
a great quantity of fish
The low cost of these products gives them great appeal.
There is a very great need for reform.
They're in no great hurry to finish.
There is a great demand for his services.
an actress of great charm
Is there any love greater than that between parent and child?
Adverb
We had some problems at first, but now things are going just great.
Keep up the good work. You're doing great!
Recent Examples on the Web
Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
And the dip in oxygen levels caused by apneas may also damage small blood vessels in your brain, putting you at greater risk of cognitive decline and perhaps even dementia.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 June 2025
Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
The $1,000 first-bet safety net sets you up great for Game 7, no matter the outcome.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
Eliza Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
In addition to being one of the all-time greats at quarterback, Rodgers has kept a pretty high profile in popular culture over the last two decades.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
—Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
And the dip in oxygen levels caused by apneas may also damage small blood vessels in your brain, putting you at greater risk of cognitive decline and perhaps even dementia.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 25 June 2025
Adverb
Although Durant was the national college player of the year and went on to became an all-time NBA great, no one at the time questioned Portland’s decision.
—Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
The $1,000 first-bet safety net sets you up great for Game 7, no matter the outcome.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025
Noun
Among the greatest pleasures of listening to the reels were the everyday moments that punctuated the musings of the medium’s 20th century greats.
—Eliza Berman, Time, 26 June 2025
In addition to being one of the all-time greats at quarterback, Rodgers has kept a pretty high profile in popular culture over the last two decades.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
Cite this Entry
“Great.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
great
1 of 3 adjective
ˈgrāt 
in South also ˈgre(ə)t
1
: large in size : not small or little
2
: large in number : numerous
a great crowd
3
: long continued
a great while
4
: beyond the average or ordinary
a great weight
in great pain
5
: distinguished, prominent
a great artist
6
: more distant in relationship by one generation
7
: superior in quality or character
8
: remarkable in skill
great at tennis
9
—used as a term of general approval
had a great time
greatly
adverb
greatness
noun
great
2 of 3 adverb
: in a great manner : successfully, well
great
3 of 3 noun
plural great or greats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
the greats of baseball
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