as in big(s)
often big leagues plural
the highest level of a field of endeavor
Broadway is the big leagues, and for big bucks theatergoers expect professionalism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 league
Cox made his big league debut as a pinch runner in the eighth inning and doubled in the ninth as San Francisco snapped a five-game losing streak with a 19-6 win over the Colorado Rockies.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
The 27-year-old Hanner, who has no MLB experience, was with the Yankees in big league camp this past spring.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
That opened the door for Madrigal, a former top prospect whose big league career stalled because of injuries.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
As part of the same pitch, Ohtani heard from two countrymen Preller had hired: Hideo Nomo, the Japanese pitching star who’d conquered the American big leagues; and Seiichiro Nakagaki, the player’s former physical trainer.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for big league
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
The 27-year-old Hanner, who has no MLB experience, was with the Yankees in big league camp this past spring.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
That opened the door for Madrigal, a former top prospect whose big league career stalled because of injuries.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
As part of the same pitch, Ohtani heard from two countrymen Preller had hired: Hideo Nomo, the Japanese pitching star who’d conquered the American big leagues; and Seiichiro Nakagaki, the player’s former physical trainer.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for big league
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big league
major league
Noun
-
Justin Wrobleski gives up one hit over seven innings and strikes out nine in the best start of his major league career in the Dodgers’ 4-2 win over Philadelphia.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
-
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Charles McAdoo, a former Spartans star for both De La Salle High and San Jose State, had a memorable major league debut on Friday night.—
Jon Becker,
Mercury News,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Big league.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20league. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
