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
Luke Smith, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Nikola Jokic is the biggest reason why the Nuggets are on the brink of a sizable upset.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Given how much weight Chet Holmgren gives up to Jokic, expect Hartenstein to play 30-plus minutes per game in this series, as OKC does not have any bigs to throw at Jokic besides Holmgren and Hartenstein.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Adjective
This is especially important as Williams has already stopped development of its 2025 car given the big rule changes coming next year.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 18 May 2025
Nikola Jokic is the biggest reason why the Nuggets are on the brink of a sizable upset.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
Noun
His personality as a big … some bigs are quiet, some don’t want to talk.
—Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Given how much weight Chet Holmgren gives up to Jokic, expect Hartenstein to play 30-plus minutes per game in this series, as OKC does not have any bigs to throw at Jokic besides Holmgren and Hartenstein.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for big
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big
Adjective
-
According to a 2025 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, roughly 21% of consumers with a credit record were using a buy now, pay later plan from one of six major firms in 2022.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
-
The three-time major champion, lacking only the Wanamaker Trophy for his major collection, ran off three straight bogeys early on the back nine and shot 76.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
Of the largest companies – those with 20,000 or more employees – 70% cover IVF.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
-
The Redditor described living in a large suburban community surrounded by woods, where wildlife like foxes and bears are common.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
18 May 2025
Adjective
-
The future of Hollywood depends on whether the industry recognizes that its greatest asset isn’t its distribution technology but its storytellers.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
20 May 2025
-
In fact, 89% of C-suite marketers recognize that employees can bring great value to their businesses as influencers.—
Sarah Goodall,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
China has increased coast guard patrols in these waters, which studies have suggested may be rich in oil and natural gas reserves.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 May 2025
-
Avocados Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, and many other health-promoting nutrients.—
Lindsey DeSoto,
Health,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
This addition sees another key member of the iconic D-Generation X (DX) faction contributing behind the scenes, joining Triple H, who heads main roster creative, Shawn Michaels, who is in charge of NXT creative, and Road Dogg, currently working as a co-lead writer for WWE SmackDown.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
-
Two main issues are conveyed: No credible debt management approach exists.—
Jim Osman,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
-
Juliet Holy Pointed-Toe Chunky Block Heels Midi dresses and pointed-toe heels are a match made in heaven, as evidenced by Oprah’s fashionable look.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
11 May 2025
-
As the global appeal of Lambrusco has grown, more of Emilia-Romagna’s winemakers have turned their vineyards into fashionable destinations.—
Simon Willis,
Travel + Leisure,
10 May 2025
Adjective
-
Greater Salt Lake police officers responded to a call from a Millcreek home that a man and his six family members had been held against their will by their pregnant daughter's boyfriend, Garcia.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
20 May 2025
-
Additionally, Rocky’s partner Rihanna attended, heavily pregnant in a blue dress.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2025
Noun
-
Harry heads back to the yard, where a group of Kevin's Czechoslovakian hired heavies are preparing for war.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
13 Apr. 2025
-
On Twin Peaks, Strong plays Jones, the right-hand woman for one of the series’ heavies.—
Drew Mackie,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Big.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share