as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group
thinks he's a big cheese just because he's got a business card
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of big cheese
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
So for decades only accredited scholars, the occasional journalist and big cheeses got to see inside.
—Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023
Following a voting process, this international cut of designers aged under 40 will be whittled down to a final few before the winners are selected by a panel of the conglomerate’s key designers and c-suite big cheeses some time in the summer.
—Luke Leitch, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2023
All is fair in love and big cheese.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 2 Feb. 2023
Bob Iger is back as the House of Mouse’s big cheese.
—Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2022
Una Pizza Napoletana is truly the big cheese: Anthony Mangieri’s Lower East Side pizza joint was just named the best pizzeria in the United States by the 50 Top Pizza organization.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 June 2022
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
So for decades only accredited scholars, the occasional journalist and big cheeses got to see inside.
—Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2023
Following a voting process, this international cut of designers aged under 40 will be whittled down to a final few before the winners are selected by a panel of the conglomerate’s key designers and c-suite big cheeses some time in the summer.
—Luke Leitch, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2023
All is fair in love and big cheese.
—Ali Francis, Bon Appétit, 2 Feb. 2023
Bob Iger is back as the House of Mouse’s big cheese.
—Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 21 Nov. 2022
Una Pizza Napoletana is truly the big cheese: Anthony Mangieri’s Lower East Side pizza joint was just named the best pizzeria in the United States by the 50 Top Pizza organization.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 16 June 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big cheese
Noun
-
While the decision was ridiculous, neither of them is going to strike fear in the hearts of the top heavyweights.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Fans also witnessed a matchup between South Shore teams that needed triple overtime to be decided, as Patriot League heavyweight Duxbury emerged victorious on the road against a very talented Abington squad (a 52-44 final).—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Previously home to a long-standing restaurant called Andiamo, the space had a dark, wood-heavy aesthetic.—
Amanda Lauren,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
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That something special largely comes from a heavy, spitting topspin forehand that dovetails with an aggressive backhand slice — the result of Tjen growing up idolizing three-time Grand Slam champion Ash Barty.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Making things sweeter, Stubbs was called to the bigs on the same day his brother Garrett, who has played in 192 major league games over six seasons with the Astros and Phillies, was called up to the big leagues by Philadelphia.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 Sep. 2025
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That changes the spacing for the bigs, who have to work in tighter confines without Cunningham and eventually Clark pulling defenders out of the paint.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The battleship used to rule the seas thanks to big guns and thick armor, was displaced by the aircraft carrier.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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But there was a gun, a big gun, with lots of bullets and we are left with grief and the funerals for the four New Yorkers who were taken from us.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That big boy came straight up out of the water until his tail was a foot above its surface, then smacked back.—
Arthur Grahame,
Outdoor Life,
4 June 2025
-
This whole situation in the industry is like a big boy's club...—
Mekishana Pierre Published,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Still, expect short overhangs and big wheels, even if not quite the size of these absurdly chrome 24-inchers.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
ArsTechnica,
13 Aug. 2025
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The Lyriq’s long nose and roof create a sporty profile that’s emphasized by big wheel openings with subtle fender flares and a steeply raked rear window.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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After going hitless in his first two at-bats, Bob Seymour reached base for the first time as a big leaguer by drawing a walk.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
16 Aug. 2025
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Now in his seventh year as a big leaguer, Yastrzemski was traded minutes before Thursday’s trade deadline in exchange for minor league right-hander Yunior Marte.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In the lion’s den, no less, at left leaning venues, hoping facts and common sense would prevail.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
In Tanzania, visitors can see wild chimpanzees, huge lion prides, the incredible mass birthing of wildebeest in late February and early March, and dense concentrations of elephants in the dry season from June to October.—
Kent Redding,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Big cheese.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20cheese. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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