big-time 1 of 2

Definition of big-timenext

big time

2 of 2

noun

as in big(s)
the highest level of a field of endeavor the young ad execs knew that their agency had hit the big time when major corporations came calling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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-time
Adverb
Moreno has big-time all-around upside behind the dish, and Gurriel offers comparable bat upside to Varsho and will rotate with the three younger options in the outfield. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023 Even as the ongoing housing slump sees national home prices come down a bit from the peaks hit during the Pandemic Housing Boom, most homeowners are still up big-time. Lance Lambert, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2023
Noun
Earmarks are back on Capitol Hill — big time. Jamie Dupree, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026 And someone who tries out and makes it, who is a transgender girl, will bump someone from the starting lineup, from playing time, from the team, from the all-league [honors], and those things matter to people, big time. Gwen Faulkenberry, Arkansas Online, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big-time
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big-time
Adverb
  • Outhouse is one of three highly respected defensive backs at North Crowley.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Phoenix, Arizona, followed in the top three, with Florida cities like Tampa also ranking highly for pet travel.
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 7 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • To that end, events for the film and TV festival will be much more centralized around the signature venue of the Paramount Theatre, home to many high-energy premieres, and a clubhouse lounge for attendees across the street.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Collins and athletic director Todd Stewart are determined for things to go much differently next season.
    Grace Raynor, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Topics included how climate change and air pollution have greatly increased haze in the area, native Cherokee interpretations of the land, and how logging has impacted the park’s streams and fish populations, among other topics.
    Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The cysts are harmless but greatly affect the guard’s range of motion, including the flexing and snapping motions necessary to take a jump shot.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • This technique is effective at repairing dead patches and bare spots and can also be used when the canopy has thinned considerably.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
  • With no end in sight to the war with Iran, oil futures could have considerably more room to run even higher.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Our art is to create something that’s identical and yet utterly different.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026
  • No doubt that playful warmth played a part in him being cast as Luffy, a hilariously nonchalant, yet utterly sincere would-be pirate.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Another patient had a revelation about the origins of his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which significantly improved his symptoms.
    Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Finally, the defanging of the Iranian menace would also significantly augment the collective strength and abilities of the West with respect to China, which relies heavily on Iranian oil.
    Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • This disruption of the lymphatic system can cause the extremities or the scrotum to swell tremendously.
    Philip Budge, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Denver is second in offense but 21st in defense — although getting Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson back would tremendously improve the Nuggets’ defense.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Joy Division and New Order are massively important.
    Devon Ivie, Vulture, 12 Mar. 2026
  • That’s massively good news after his 2023 season ended early thanks to a ruptured Achilles in Week 12, halting what was looking to be his best professional season.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big-time. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster