Synonyms

greatness

American

[greyt-nis] / ˈgreɪt nɪs /

noun

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.
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.
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.

“We needed something else that sounded like the call to greatness that wasn’t part of him yet. And there’s no greater call to greatness than the ‘Game of Thrones’ theme,” says Parker.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

"This is a spiritual battle. Between selfishness and service. Between greed and greatness," he said.

From Barron's • Jun. 13, 2026

His final masterstroke—bullying the world into saluting his greatness by executing an incredible comeback—will once again remind him that the maw at the center of his being remains unfilled.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

While Hull embraces all-out aggression, Korda - who is firmly on track for golfing greatness - took a more pragmatic approach to winning her fourth major title.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

My plan was to show him my greatness and fill him with the desire to be our dad until at least I turned eight.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023