BIG-NAME Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

big-name

adjective

Definition of big-name

as in famous

widely known several big-name writers gave readings at the book festival

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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-name Perhaps this saga of planetary conquest is also a sly commentary on Hollywood imperialism, in which even the most far-flung of small-town tales must be overwhelmed by big-name stars in visual-effects drag. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 But to a teenager being recruited by a fleet of big-name programs, the flash mattered more than the function. — Matt Baker, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 This does, however, seem to be another case of the Netflix name being able to assemble and pay a big-name cast for relatively lackluster results. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Hollywood voice actors are split over AI voice cloning, as big-name performers license lucrative replicas while freelancers see jobs vanish and fear training their own replacements. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 Mayor Zohran Mamdani is calling on big-name CEOs to work with him in growing the city's economy by joining his newest business council. — Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 BigXthaPlug, of Dallas, is known for his mix of rap and country alongside big-name country artists like Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll and Darius Rucker. — Courtney Crowder, Des Moines Register, 22 Aug. 2026 Fairchild was one of the first big-name, established actors to have a guest spot on the show. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 But outside of the big-name acts and music industry favorites, producers usually embody invisible labor for the average consumer. — Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for big-name

Adjective

Travis This name is perfect for fans of the Super Bowl-winning tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce (or his famous girlfriend, Taylor Swift).

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
New York’s famous once clamored for co-ops, where tenants are shareholders with equity rather than individual owners of their apartments outright.

— Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of famous

Adjective

Opened on New Year’s Day in 1926, the hotel was expanded by famed society architect Maurice Fatio, who managed to maintain intimacy despite imposing a larger footprint.

— Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
The photo, taken at the famed Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, showed Kelce reclining on a sofa wearing a peacoat, while Wendy reclined wearing her, well, natural coat.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of famed

Adjective

Several prominent fan groups have criticised the club’s summer transfer business and requested meetings with the Everton hierarchy.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Broadly speaking, many prominent Silicon Valley companies started in a place of technological service and innovation only to have more recently shifted into the dystopia business, and public sentiment has shifted in kind.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

Big names holding the pen Some celebrated playwrights are theater categories unto themselves.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026
Rising from an impoverished background to become a celebrated stage star in Romania, the actress and directing debutante has defied all odds to reach the starry heights of the Lido.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of celebrated

Adjective

There’s the liberal-arts college, and then there’s the renowned music conservatory.

— Jesse Dougherty, New Yorker, 5 Sep. 2026
Epicureans will appreciate exclusive dinners with chefs and wine-tasting excursions in a Maltese vineyard, while visits to the ateliers of internationally renowned artists, designers, and perfumiers personalize shopping opportunities.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of renowned

Browse Nearby Words

big leagues

big-name

bigness

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Big-name.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big-name. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of big-name

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

stigma

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes