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
Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The field of medicine has undergone significant changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the biggest breakthrough right at our fingertips: telemedicine.
—Felicia Faber, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
At one point early in the first quarter, Ryles grabbed the jerseys of two of her teammates, her two bigs, and pulled them in close.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Adjective
When that big call came in, that's that call that all those stars talk about that changed their life and stuff.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025
The field of medicine has undergone significant changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the biggest breakthrough right at our fingertips: telemedicine.
—Felicia Faber, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
Three Gators guards, including SEC Tournament MVP Walter Clayton Jr., are legit threats offensively, and Florida also boasts four tough bigs that can wear out even the most physical opponents (just ask Alabama and Tennessee).
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
At one point early in the first quarter, Ryles grabbed the jerseys of two of her teammates, her two bigs, and pulled them in close.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big
Adjective
-
Working with seasoned veterans was also a thrill for Frenchman Renan Pacheco, who scored his first major American role playing Lane’s love interest in the pilot.—
Rance Collins,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
-
The question of whether a homegrown act with a major K-pop influence can cross over, and truly take root, in the notoriously discerning British mainstream is more complex.—
Sophie Williams,
Billboard,
28 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
In Flushing, long-time residents and small businesses are already feeling the pressure of real estate speculation and skyrocketing rents, with mom-and-pop bakeries and shops shutting their doors and being replaced by large chains.—
Aimee Rosato,
New York Daily News,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
30 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This assignment begins with secondary and higher educational institutions taking greater strides to enrich offerings civics instruction.—
Blake D. Morant,
Forbes.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Temu and Shein have taken steps to grow their operations in the U.S. as the de minimis loophole has come under greater scrutiny.—
Annie Palmer,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Located in the Central Embassy mall, the restaurant specializes in Thai boat noodles—an aromatic soup made with rich, spiced broth, pork or beef, herbs, and the signature ingredient, a little pig or cow’s blood.—
Regan Stephens,
Vogue,
23 Mar. 2025
-
The style is classic yet rustic, with smooth planks, a rich stain, decorative moldings along the rim, and baseboards along the bottom.—
Miles Walls,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The president has touted these tariffs as a way to help the US government rely less on income taxes as a main form of revenue.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
-
Sean Penn co-stars as the film’s main villain, a steely-eyed colonel who looked pretty frigging scary in the footage, while Benicio del Toro is DiCaprio’s gun-toting, gonzo comrade.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In the pantheon of fashionable patterns, one would be forgiven for overlooking plaid.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
14 Mar. 2025
-
In President Donald Trump’s idealized framing, the United States was at its zenith in the 1890s, when top hats and shirtwaists were fashionable and typhoid fever often killed more soldiers than combat.—
Will Weissert,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The family posed for Christmas photos in matching red formal wear and themed elf onesies in 2023, when Alcala was pregnant with Alianna.—
Nasha Smith,
People.com,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Chelsea, who asked to use a pseudonym to protect her husband, was pregnant with their second child at the time, and the family needed the cash.—
Teele Rebane,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
They’re supposed to be the reinforcements, the heavies, personally recruited by Quinn — a fugitive Army Intelligence Colonel! — and installed at Beck’s place, just like Paulie.—
Chris Klimek,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2025
-
The other students find the burden of imperfect English heavy.—
Jesse Green,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Big.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share