great 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgrāt How to pronounce great (audio)
Definition of greatnext
1
as in excellent
of the very best kind this cake is great!

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2
as in skillful
having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor one of the great anthropologists

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3
as in noble
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature a great humanitarian great acts of charity

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4
as in long
lasting for a considerable time haven't seen them in a great while

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5
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind saw a great moose calmly walking through our backyard

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6
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest she's great on any type of sport that requires endurance

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7
as in greatest
coming before all others in importance regards global warming as the great issue of the day

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8
as in aristocratic
of high birth, rank, or station a descendant of one of the great families of Philadelphia

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great

2 of 2

adverb

as in nicely
in a pleasing way the game was going great for the home team

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of great
Adjective
New ships to support Golden Dome The contract comes as the US government places greater emphasis on rebuilding domestic shipbuilding capacity and strengthening the maritime industrial base. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 July 2026 Although my favorite style isn’t available anymore, this similar dress at Amazon works great, too. — Jamie Davis Smith, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2026
Adverb
This matching option looks great unbuttoned and billowy, with one hem tucked in, or tied at the waist for a cropped look. — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 The company struck a wide-ranging deal with Shaquille O’Neal in 2015 that has helped the NBA great burnish his brand with consumer products, live events, content and more. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for great
Recent Examples of Synonyms for great
  1. excellent
  2. skillful
  3. noble
  4. long
  5. large
  6. excited
  7. main
  8. aristocratic
Adjective
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Jordan's first try from a chip kick by Jordie Barrett and a skillful recovery by Leroy Carter gave New Zealand the lead for the first time and against the run of play in the 30th minute.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • But the skillful way in which they are woven together belies the efforts that went into telling this story, and Lovely Reader, this dedication to quality fascinates me.
    — Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of skillful
Adjective
  • As a witty nod to the noble milieu and the Sciò family’s former residency, a family tree of portraits by Gucci collaborator Ignasi Monreal, hangs in the piano room outside of the restaurant.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2026
  • Warm, fuzzy feelings for noble stupidity are an American thing, especially in politics.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
Definition of noble
Adjective
  • Assuming the battery is fine (and all the other electrical components and solder have survived the long journey through time), how will the iPhone be activated?
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • Now back in King’s Landing, Corlys is distracted at best, meeting with Rhaenyra’s small council to address the crown’s nonexistent funds — the latest on a long list of problems that need solving for the new Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
    — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of long
Adjective
  • The Hyundai Motor Company used one of the world’s largest sporting stages to showcase its robotics ambitions.
    — Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • A number of Russian regions have banned the use of large canisters that hold around five gallons to prevent fuel hoarding.
    — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of large
Adjective
  • Nguyen was excited to enjoy a warm summer outdoors before the smoke left her hesitant to step outside for her routine runs to the National Mall and daily walks with her dog.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • McKeon was excited to explore her chemistry with executive producer Gina Wendkos, who worked on the show alongside Tom Palmer, Jonathan Axelrod, James Widdoes and Amy Sherman-Palladino.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
Definition of excited
Adjective
  • Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.
    — Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.
    — J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of main
Adjective
  • As models walked out into the museum gardens with an air of aristocratic tradition, the show became exquisite, almost cinematic.
    — Laia Farran Graves, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The Sunday Times has reported claims about Farage’s financial relationship with George Cottrell, an aristocratic, crypto-gambling entrepreneur and on-off aide to the Reform UK leader.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
Definition of aristocratic

Phrases Containing great

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greasy spoons
great
greatcoat
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Cite this Entry

“Great.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/great. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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