big government

noun

variants or Big Government

chiefly US

: government that is regarded as infringing upon the rights of individual citizens because of its extensive bureaucracy and intrusive regulations and policies

Big government, in the minds of many Americans, had become the problem, not the solution.

—Tom Morganthau

Especially coming from a Republican, the Hyde proposals smack uncharacteristically of Big Government, critics say.

—John Cloud

Examples of big government in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But now there's a new threat from the populist right that would embrace policies of isolationism abroad, that would embrace big government and protectionism at home, marginalize the right to life. —CBS News, 31 May 2026

Prices have risen steadily since Russia invaded Ukraine due to sanctions, but big government spending initially masked the mounting economic consequences of the war. —Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

Upending our lives, taking on huge costs, to deal with this issue has been a favorite of those who like to politicize our lives with big government. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Those on the left see rising costs as an opportunity to advance their big government agenda. —Star Parker, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for big government

• antigovernment