Greater and Lesser

Opposite meaning words

Greater adjective - Greater in size or importance or degree.

Usage example: for the greater good of the community

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Lesser is an antonym for greater.

Lesser adjective - Having not so great importance or rank as another.

Usage example: it was the lesser evil of the two choices

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Greater is an antonym for lesser in topics: lower, inferior.

As might be expected, most of the verse references are metaphorical to greater or lesser degree, but some are remarkably literal.

Source: Fan Fic / Total Drama Island, by Gilbert and Sullivan
Hulk often uses this trope himself to a lesser or greater extent depending upon the author.

Source: Serial Escalation / Comic Books
Most Dynasty Warriors games (as well as the various spinoffs) has this to a greater or lesser degree.

Source: Road Runner PC

Cite this Source

Lesser and Greater. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/greater/lesser

Greater & Lesser. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/greater/lesser>.

Lesser or Greater. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/greater/lesser.

Google Ngram Viewer shows how "greater" and "lesser" have occurred on timeline