as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group
for a high-profile case like this, the law firm uses only its big guns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 gun
Things are not that simple, not least because the 2015-16 season was unique in the sense that many of the usual big guns had a stuttering campaign.
—
Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
From there, this group take on up the stairs in search of The Front Man and his charges, with the episode turning into one big gun fight, centered largely around what appears to be a Barbie dream house if it was designed by M. C. Escher.
—Peter White, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2024
First, John Beecher iced the puck from the neutral zone and the Stars were able to get some of their big guns on the ice.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 Nov. 2024
There’s tons of in-your-face werewolf action, big guns and lots of blood and guts in this throwback flick that would feel right at home in a drive-in double feature.
—William Earl, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for big gun
Paul Taylor, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
From there, this group take on up the stairs in search of The Front Man and his charges, with the episode turning into one big gun fight, centered largely around what appears to be a Barbie dream house if it was designed by M. C. Escher.
—Peter White, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2024
First, John Beecher iced the puck from the neutral zone and the Stars were able to get some of their big guns on the ice.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 Nov. 2024
There’s tons of in-your-face werewolf action, big guns and lots of blood and guts in this throwback flick that would feel right at home in a drive-in double feature.
—William Earl, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for big gun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big gun
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
Noun
-
Tyler Nickel has made numerous clutch 3-pointers, and the combination of that trio of perimeter weapons with a pair of burly, undersized bigs has made Vandy really dangerous.—
The Athletic,
The Athletic,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Listen to this article Welcome to the bigs, Matt Richtman.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Off-road vehicles need to be boxy, tall and large with big wheels and specialized tires -- these are terrible for range.—
Morgan Korn,
ABC News,
22 Mar. 2025
-
One of the teachers at Abbott, Jacob (played by Chris Perfetti), paid homage to Sajak with his costume, which even included a big wheel.—
Kayla Caldwell,
Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2024
Noun
-
There is an unlikely new kid on the block among the U.K.’s business big boys – the maker of war games miniatures, Games Workshop.—
Mark Faithfull,
Forbes,
5 Dec. 2024
-
Based on its size, this big boy was near the end of its lifespan and the winter weather was taking its toll.—
Stan Tekiela,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The heavy hitters behind this campaign have managed to frighten residents of the trendy SoDo district into believing that their property values and perhaps their lives would be seriously upended if the facility is allowed to proceed.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
Orlando Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Quintana says the opportunity to interact with industry heavy hitters is a distinct perk.—
Nicole Fell,
The Hollywood Reporter,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But a big cheese board affords the chance for people to try something new.—
Betty Hallock,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Dec. 2024
-
Simply Cheetos White Cheddar Puffs These light-colored curls have big cheese flavor, a satisfying crunch and a tart kick that is dangerously delicious.—
Jolene Thym,
The Mercury News,
4 June 2024
Noun
-
While European clubs enjoy the lion’s share of the wealth, the prize pot will provide big boosts to other participants too.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Up until recently, Napa and Sonoma have received the lion’s share of wine tourism within the state.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Big gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20gun. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share