Synonyms for “Great”
Great has three common meanings — excellent, large in size, or important and distinguished. Pick the sense below for the best fit.
Quick answer: the most common synonyms for great are excellent, wonderful, and superb (excellent); large, huge, and vast (in size); and distinguished, prominent, and eminent (important).
1. Great as excellent (adjective)
Of very high quality — as in "a great movie."
Register: terrific is casual; superb and outstanding are stronger and more formal.
Example: "A great idea" → "an excellent / superb idea."
2. Great as large (adjective)
Big in size or amount — as in "a great distance."
Nuance: immense and vast stress scale; considerable is measured.
Example: "A great deal of effort" → "a considerable / vast amount of effort."
3. Great as important or distinguished (adjective)
Notable and admired — as in "a great leader."
Register: eminent and distinguished are formal; celebrated stresses fame.
Example: "A great scientist" → "a distinguished / eminent scientist."
Antonyms for “Great”
Another word for a "great" achievement
For a standout accomplishment, use outstanding, remarkable, exceptional, or monumental.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best synonym for "great"?
It depends on the meaning. For quality, use excellent or superb. For size, use vast or immense. For importance, use distinguished.
What is the opposite of "great"?
It depends on the sense — for quality, poor or terrible; for size, small.
What is a stronger word than "great"?
Use outstanding, exceptional, superb, or magnificent.