great (noun) — A person of major significance, accomplishment or acclaim.
“Newton and Einstein are two of the greats of the history of science.”
Below are 68 adjectives commonly used to describe great, ranked by how frequently they appear together in written English. The most popular include less, first, post.
Ranked by frequency in written English
How to Use These Adjectives
- → Top adjectives (darker pills) appear most frequently with “great” in published writing.
- → Combine two adjectives for vivid description: e.g. “less, first great”.
- → Click any adjective to find its synonyms and expand your vocabulary further.
- → Match the tone — choose formal adjectives for essays, sensory ones for creative writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some adjectives to describe great?
Common adjectives used to describe great include less, first, post, little, pre. These are ranked by how frequently they appear alongside "great" in written English.
How do you describe great in writing?
To vividly describe great in your writing, choose adjectives that appeal to the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and emotion. For great, strong options include less, first, post. Pair them with specific details to make your description more immersive.
What is the best adjective for great?
"less" is one of the most commonly used adjectives with "great" in English. Other top choices are first, post, little. The best adjective depends on the tone and context of your writing.
Can I use these adjectives in a poem or story?
Yes — all adjectives listed here are drawn from real English usage. They work well in creative writing, poetry, essays, and descriptive paragraphs. Try combining two adjectives for more impact, e.g. "less, first great".