1
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind
bought a big apple to quench his raging appetite
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect
there will be a big meeting to resolve the issue
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
Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
According to The Mail on Sunday, these talks in London were the first big step towards resolving the feud between father and son.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2025
Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
Concerns: Queen isn’t the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender.
—Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Adjective
Countdown to Jerome Powell Federal Reserve watchers are in for a big day.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2025
According to The Mail on Sunday, these talks in London were the first big step towards resolving the feud between father and son.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
The only Boston bigs currently under contract for 2025-26 are Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman, neither of whom was a regular rotation player this season.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
Concerns: Queen isn’t the biggest of bigs nor an elite defender.
—Aaron Beard, Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big
Adjective
-
Recent research suggests exercise plays a larger role in cancer prevention than previously thought, potentially preventing 40% of cases.—
Bryant Stamford,
The Courier-Journal,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The three largest investors were Joe Agresti, David Ingram and Tony Giarratana himself.—
Molly Davis,
The Tennessean,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Top cheap internet service providers in Louisville, KY Internet service in Louisville is competitive, with several major providers offering coverage across the city.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
The first major exhibition for Fujimoto (born 1971 in Hokkaido, Japan), designer of the Expo 2025 Grand Ring, presents a comprehensive overview in eight sections with a genuinely immersive and interactive experience.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
This tank would be great for exercise classes, hiking, and other sweaty activities.—
Anne Taylor,
Travel + Leisure,
24 Aug. 2025
-
Being able to create ourselves has felt like the greatest, the final privilege.—
Rachel Cusk,
New Yorker,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The whiskey features rich aromas of vanilla, pipe tobacco, old leather, and cinnamon.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Shot over three years on a vintage Bolex camera, the film is a rich portrait of an elderly, unnamed woman who, born in a cave more than 60 years ago, now lives in a village caring for her children and grandchildren.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
-
His main ride is a blue 2005 TJ with a four-inch lift and some other add-ons.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
USA Today,
24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The chic pants can be paired with a simple black sweater and sneakers for a fashionable, on-the-go look that will effortlessly transition from the airplane to sightseeing without having to make a pitstop to change.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Caddis reading glasses stand out for their bold, fashionable frames and high-quality lens technology.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic, stands by the new CDC recommendation that children and pregnant women don't need the vaccine.—
Beth Warren,
The Tennessean,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Recently, there was a rumor one of the Bop House girls is pregnant.—
Rebecca Jennings,
Vulture,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Contributors include commentator heavies like Osita Nwanevu, Kim Kelly, and Anna Merlan.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
8 July 2025
-
First question first: Is Usyk the GOAT of the heavies?—
Anthony Stitt,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Big.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share