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Synonyms

greatness

American  
[greyt-nis] / ˈgreɪt nɪs /

noun

  1. the quality or state of being important, notable, or distinguished.

    The goal is to inspire students to achieve greatness by taking risks, working hard, and pushing their limits.

    The town is considered an important historical landmark, and is known primarily for its architectural greatness and venerable history.

  2. the quality or state of being powerful or intense.

    Those who are deemed incurable by reason of the greatness of their crimes are banished and never allowed to return.

  3. the quality or state of being large in size, stature, number, etc..

    The ancient stone walls, towering close to 200 feet high, impress with their greatness.


Other Word Forms

  • overgreatness noun

Etymology

Origin of greatness

great ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For the time being, there are more achievable goals that would serve to underline McIlroy's greatness.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

But in “The Last Titans,” Mr. Vinen gives us an arresting dual portrait of human greatness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

That’s how you get branded a dinosaur, a fuddy-dud, an inhibitor of the inexorable march toward efficiency and greatness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Was it too much to hope that they could go again after the greatness of their victory over France?

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

“Outside peoples already concede our material greatness and that we are well nigh supreme in manufactures and commerce,” he wrote.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson