1
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
there will be a big meeting to resolve the issue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind
bought a big apple to quench his raging appetite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in great
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature
how big of you to give your subordinates most of the credit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor)
inexperienced wine drinkers should not start with such a big wine
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in main
coming before all others in importance
the big story that year was the election of the president
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in fashionable
enjoying widespread favor or approval
jackets with very wide lapels were big that year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in pregnant
containing unborn young within the body
a mare big with a foal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in heavy
one of high position or importance within a group
with that new promotion he's now one of the bigs in the company
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in major league
usually bigs plural
the highest level of a field of endeavor
a candidate who is running for president is playing in the bigs and cannot afford to make major mistakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Try This Instead
Try This InsteadFor
Try This
a big deal
a big game
a big problem
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of big
Phil Helsel, NBC news, 30 May 2025
But as his career picked up steam, some of his biggest new fans turned out to be country superstars like Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll (who just brought BigX out during his 2025 Stagecoach set), Post Malone and Luke Combs.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Even when a big is roaming, Hart trusts his instincts.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Adjective
The seventh grader from Dallas won the Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, after last year having come in second place on the big stage.
—Phil Helsel, NBC news, 30 May 2025
But as his career picked up steam, some of his biggest new fans turned out to be country superstars like Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll (who just brought BigX out during his 2025 Stagecoach set), Post Malone and Luke Combs.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Noun
For this reason, the Bulls should spend this week scouting bigs.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Even when a big is roaming, Hart trusts his instincts.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big
Adjective
-
Catch Up On The Story Chelsea can become the first club to win all four major UEFA trophies – but who else could complete the set?—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
-
Attending orientation sessions, university athletics, and deciding on a choice of major are common priorities for many students.—
Eric Wood,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
Bars often use multiple types and shapes, including shaved, cracked, crushed, cubed and large ice cubes and spheres, both produced in molds.—
Isidoro Rodriguez,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
-
Over 1,000 cattle or calf pairs also qualify as a large CAFO.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Seven of Pentacles is a gentle reminder that great things take time.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 June 2025
-
Erica’s great grandfather was one of a group of 15 that formed a wine cooperative in Sant’Antioco in 1932, the first in Sardinia.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
Adjective
-
Italy’s Taormina Film Festival is set for a standout 71st edition with a rich mix of genres – including some potential discoveries – on display, plus a generous dose of star power within a new format that attempts to revive the storied Sicilian event and put it back on the international map.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
5 June 2025
-
He's torched his credibility with Tesla's most important customers (rich libs), but now risks becoming persona non grata among the MAGA faithful by going against the boss.—
Carlo Versano,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
The golden flying snake bears two main color morphs — a green-yellow form sports bold black streaks and occasional reddish dorsal spots, and another form where the same base hues are overlaid with subtler crossbars.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
It was later expanded to include four main ventilation channels (and some 50,000 smaller shafts) serving seven levels, which could be closed off from the inside with a large rolling stone.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Enjoy thrilling matches, strawberries and cream, Lanson fizz, fashionable outfits, celebrity spotting, and the all-round fun atmosphere that the tournament brings.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
-
The Flower girls, dressed in bright costumes of fashionable gardening gear and props, danced to popular music.—
Yvette Walker,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
Although exceedingly rare, cases where pregnant women are declared brain dead have occurred before.—
Katherine Drabiak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2025
-
If a parent desires their healthy child to be vaccinated or if a pregnant woman desires to be vaccinated, their decision should be based on informed consent through the clinical judgment of their health care provider.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Gabriel Byrne’s new heavy, the Chancellor, hisses to Castañeda’s doomed daddy as Eve watches in horror.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2025
-
At the same time, more of Richie's heavies arrive at the safe house.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
1 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Big.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share