greater

adjective, often capitalized great·er \ ˈgrā-tər \

Definition of greater

: consisting of a central city together with adjacent areas that are naturally or administratively connected with it

Greater London

Recent Examples of greater from the Web

Greater wind velocities mean that debris poses a greater threat to humans and animals, while the roofing, siding, and glass windows (protected and unprotected) of frame homes are more vulnerable to damage.

— caitlin miller, PEOPLE.com, "What Do Hurricane Categories 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Really Mean?," 25 Aug. 2017
Greater transparency will allow consumers to assess these trade-offs themselves.

— laura yasaitis, Philly.com, "Shopping for health insurance? Buyer beware, especially if you have cancer," 25 July 2017
Greater respect for sharks may stem from greater understanding.

— agatha french, latimes.com, "Take a look at the best book for Shark Week: 'Shark' by Brian Skerry," 20 July 2017
Greater domestic production of light crude oil has led to a surplus of naphtha, a lower-octane feedstock.

— clifford atiyeh, Car and Driver, "Why High-Octane Gas Costs So Much More Than Regular," 28 June 2017
Greater numbers of people are expected to arrive later this week.

— gillian flaccus, The Seattle Times, "US sets up court in Oregon forest for major gathering," 27 June 2017
Greater numbers of people are expected to arrive later this week.

— Washington Post, "US sets up court in Oregon forest for major gathering," 27 June 2017
Greater challenges will only bring greater resolve.

— john bacon, USA TODAY, "Panama cuts ties with Taiwan, recognizes 'One China'," 13 June 2017
Greater dynamic contrasts would have added even more to the evening, but that proved a minor matter given the infectious spirit onstage.

— tim smith, baltimoresun.com, "BSO players get the spotlight in Bach's Brandenburg Concertos," 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'greater.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of greater

comparative of great

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First Known Use: 1882

in the meaning defined above

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