big-time 1 of 2

Definition of big-timenext
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
All those things can be potential avenues for big-time infections. Ambar Castillo, STAT, 23 Mar. 2023 Tennessee's forward isn't a big-time scorer at this point in his development, but the 19-year old is a serious athlete who could develop into a quality 3&D wing. Michael Shapiro, Chron, 23 Mar. 2023
Noun
Miles escapes, but the events of that night will come back big time. Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 2026 That decision paid off big time. ABC News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for big-time
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big-time
Adverb
  • In countries like Germany and Austria, the collection of such ethnic data remains highly taboo due to the historical misuse of ethnic and racial records during the Holocaust.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The new reefs also make fishing more accessible for people without boats or those who don’t own land on the highly privatized lake.
    Laura Horne, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026
Adverb
  • But China can’t possibly rely this much on its inventories for much longer.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • When these systems fall apart, outbreaks can become uncontrollable, more expensive and much more difficult to control.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Adverb
  • Indeed, Richard the Lionheart, after countless campaigns and victories, was slain by a crossbowman (ironically, because this was a weapon that Richard championed greatly against the wishes of the Church).
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Everyone seemed to get their money’s worth, and the ex-Cubs who came back to Wrigley greatly added to the show.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Adverb
  • The planet had remained hidden in the data all this time, overshadowed by its considerably brighter star and two companion planets.
    Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
  • In this situation, the Bao 5 feels impressively punchy and is certainly capable of keeping pace with considerably more expensive rivals.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Adverb
  • There were four outlandish, outcast characters, whom Goldberg utterly embodied with something as slight as the crossing of her eyes or the dragging of her leg.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 25 July 2026
  • Silver is particularly interesting because it's also found in utterly ancient meteorites called CI chondrites.
    Rahul Rao, Space.com, 23 July 2026
Adverb
  • Too fearful of discrimination to go to hospitals for antiretroviral drugs, many transgender people have stopped taking them — significantly increasing their risk of transmission.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • According to a source with knowledge of the Inter Miami and Galaxy negotiations, the fee Miami must pay to the Galaxy is significantly higher.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
Adverb
  • All of the author’s characters are tremendously realistic in portrayal.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • In 50 years, our understanding of Mars, our solar system and beyond has grown tremendously.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 22 July 2026
Adverb
  • Before ACTs came along, the malaria parasite was building resistance to the older antimalarials; that resistance massively increased the death toll of malaria.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Many Indians first heard of Sonam Wangchuk because he is often credited as the inspiration for a character in the massively popular Hindi-language film 3 Idiots (2009).
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big-time. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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