big gun

noun

Definition of big gunnext
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group for a high-profile case like this, the law firm uses only its big guns

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 gun Related Stories Chile, as the guest country of honor, will be sending its big guns with Pablo Larrain, Sebastián Lelio and Maite Alberdi leading a contingent. — Anna Marie De La Fuente, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 Anthopoulos wants a big gun Obviously, the Braves are shopping to augment their starting rotation. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 18 Feb. 2026 The comedy big guns come out to pay their respects to the groundbreaking genius whose comedy is still radical — Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman are just a few. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 There also aren't too many catchers who can put up above-average offensive stats these days, so adding Jeffers into the deal means the Yankees should be prepared to part ways with at least one of their big guns in the pitching pipeline, namely Carlos Lagrange or Elmer Rodríguez. — Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for big gun
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big gun
  1. heavyweight
  2. heavy
  3. big
  4. big wheel
  5. big boy
  6. big leaguer
  7. major leaguer
  8. heavy hitter
Noun
  • Last month, technology heavyweights such as Microsoft, Palantir and Nvidia signed a letter urging policymakers to avoid restricting open-weight models and suppressing competition.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The upbeat results lifted global tech stocks, including major gains for Asian heavyweights.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of heavyweight
Noun
  • Dallas Caton’s bass-heavy production lays the foundation for the frantic and propulsive record.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • Soon after Rhaenyra executes Otto Hightower, who was once mastermind of that family’s schemes, Ormund steps up to be the faction’s new heavy.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
Definition of heavy
Noun
  • As for other options to add rim-protecting bigs, Hassan Whiteside is available for a Heat reunion.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That gives Okot more opportunities to develop alongside the second unit with Naz Hillmon while learning to play alongside both veteran bigs.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of big
Noun
  • For all of its strengths, my one wish for the Weber Kettle is better wheel nuts holding the big wheels in place.
    — Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 17 May 2026
  • Denali versions aim for gloss, chrome, big wheels and illuminated badging, while the AT4 gets the tougher costume - 35-inch allou-terrain tires, red recovery hooks, extra ground clearance and a more trail-minded stance flavor.
    — Josh Max, Forbes.com, 6 May 2026
Definition of big wheel
Noun
  • Thibodeau is a big boy, and Dolan is still paying him a lot of money from that $30 million extension signed in the summer of 2024.
    — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • But taking on one of Wall Street’s big boys, and then getting squashed for it, ranks right up there.
    — Liz Peek, Washington Post, 4 May 2026
Definition of big boy
Noun
  • Conine, who turned 29 last month, still hasn’t fully established himself at a big leaguer.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
  • The Nationals have not added an active big leaguer at the deadline since Abrams (a rookie) and Luke Voit arrived in the Juan Soto deal.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of big leaguer
Noun
  • Jack Wilson, a 12-year major leaguer who also played shortstop, instilled in his son that defense comes first.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Tony Gwynn went 4-for-5, singling in his first at-bat to become the 22nd major leaguer to reach 3,000 hits, as the San Diego Padres beat the Montreal Expos 12-10.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of major leaguer
Noun
  • Founded in London in 1993, White Cube burst onto the US scene in 2023 with its New York flagship at 1002 Madison Avenue (a stone’s throw from the headquarters of heavy hitters such as Gagosian and Acquavella).
    — News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Other heavy hitters include New York, Washington, and Massachusetts with four each, and Virginia with three.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of heavy hitter

Browse Nearby Words

biggish
big gun
big guns
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Cite this Entry

“Big gun.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20gun. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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