as in bigs
one of high position or importance within a group
for a high-profile case like this, the law firm uses only its big guns
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Recent Examples of big guns
Bruins coach Marco Sturm made some pretty sizable line changes to start the game, plugging in rookie center Minten between David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie to try and coax more production out of his big guns.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
The team needs that supporting cast clicking at the same time as big guns to create more sustained pressure.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 19 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
For October camp and friendlies, Pochettino called in more big guns — a squad that looks a lot closer to what the World Cup roster will look like than in the September camp.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Some big guns were still here, but the results often underdelivered.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
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
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
The team needs that supporting cast clicking at the same time as big guns to create more sustained pressure.
—Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 19 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
For October camp and friendlies, Pochettino called in more big guns — a squad that looks a lot closer to what the World Cup roster will look like than in the September camp.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 14 Oct. 2025
Some big guns were still here, but the results often underdelivered.
—Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big guns
Noun
-
Their bigs stay closer to the basket now.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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The coaching staff saw how the pairing of Flory Bidunga and Tiller had some issues against bigger bigs.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But a growing number of Hollywood heavyweights have continued to raise concerns over the ramifications of the deal for the industry at large.—
Rebecca Keegan,
NBC news,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The movie was made even stranger by then-Hollywood heavyweights like Jackie Chan, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robert Evans playing heightened versions of themselves — not to mention an unsettling performance by Harvey Weinstein as a private detective that has, to put it mildly, not aged well.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Attorney Lynn Johnson stood before jurors in a Kansas City, Kansas, courtroom Tuesday afternoon and motioned to a metal device on wheels that was sitting in front of them.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Specifically, Alioto sought to reimagine the magazine as a many-pronged vehicle for promising tastes—like those of regular contributors and critical heavies, Grace Byron and Greta Rainbow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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Absinthe-eyed, she projectile-vomits blunt observations and also oysters onto the heavies, overimbibing her way into her own grave once she’s inevitably discarded with a shot and shove down a stairwell (a barely-there John Magaro plays one of the gangsters).—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Tyler Herro stepped up in Adebayo’s absence and hit big shots and free throws late in the game to keep the Heat alive.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Doncic had 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists, but was three for 13 from three and missed two big shots in the final seconds.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The cars that Geely showcased at CES, in Las Vegas, were large SUVs with big wheels, opulent interiors, and three rows of seats—not unlike a Ford Explorer.—
Patrick George,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
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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
Noun
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Then the Bruins big boys decided to make a statement after that.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
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Will the Niners spend like big boys and sign Hendrickson, Linderbaum and JFM?—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Fable and Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil The heavy hitters in this hydrating formula include ashwagandha to strengthen the roots, amla to add shine, and castor oil to condition.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
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There are also some heavy hitters outside of the festival’s competition strands.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Big guns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20guns. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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