big-time 1 of 2

adverb

Definition of big-timenext
as in highly
to a large extent or degree wow, those renovations improved the library big-time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

big time

2 of 2

noun

-ˌtīm How to pronounce big time (audio)
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
Long-time tennis journalist Matthew Futterman uses unprecedented access to explore how the sport’s biggest stars overcome (and occasionally succumb to) the unavoidable stress of playing big-time tennis. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 The team has gone from sellers to, , big-time buyers ahead of next week's trade deadline, as a three-game set with the LA Dodgers looms this weekend. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
Shakira ended up bonding big time with the adorable crew, who are part of the Ghetto Kids Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to use the arts to help disadvantaged and orphaned children. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 New data from Airbnb suggests that strategy can pay off big time. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big-time
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big-time
  1. highly
  2. much
  3. greatly
  4. considerably
  5. utterly
  6. significantly
  7. tremendously
  8. massively
Adverb
  • Zhang Xianzhe, an engineer connected to China’s Chengdu aircraft design establishment, warned that large language models can invent highly specific military information.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There were also active fires near a well designed to remove methane, which is highly flammable.
    — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of highly
Adverb
  • The agreement Hansen describes would be a much larger legal matter than a standard screening NDA, and would not be asked of other individuals screening the film — including press and third-party marketing agencies.
    — Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But as the drugs move from a specialist injectable treatment toward an increasingly mainstream weight-management category, beauty is beginning to confront a much bigger commercial opportunity, which — according to insiders — is much more complex.
    — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of much
Adverb
  • If the pH gets too acidic, nitrogen uptake is greatly reduced, leading to a deficiency in the plant, even if there’s plenty of nitrogen in the potting soil.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Corky Kell + Dave Hunter Classic winners Brookwood, Roswell and North Gwinnett all greatly improved their positions with wins last week at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
    — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of greatly
Adverb
  • So what had begun as a high school problem-solving project became something considerably more ambitious.
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
  • My analysis, built on the County’s framework and precedent, puts the exposure at a considerably higher level.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerably
Adverb
  • Fast-forward to today, and the brand’s shampoos, conditioners, hair oils, hair masks, and more are flying off the shelf—while the bond-repairing-product business is utterly booming.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
  • For this is the unintentionally funny story of what happens when utterly unhinged and high-minded hubris becomes your guiding light.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • The outcome of this bellwether case is expected to significantly influence whether other states pursue similar legal actions against AI companies.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Accessibility Because the property is spread across historic adobe buildings with uneven pathways, stairs, and narrow passages, accessibility can vary significantly by room category.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of significantly
Adverb
  • Stewart is among several tremendously gifted players — Harbor, quarterback LaNorris Sellers, offensive tackle transfer Jacarrius Peak — with questions about performance or injuries or both.
    — Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Harnessing invisible frequencies of light such as radio massively expanded our communication range, while hyper-focusing light into lasers tremendously increased communication fidelity.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of tremendously
Adverb
  • Kakashi is one of the most popular characters in the long-running and massively popular manga.
    — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Harnessing invisible frequencies of light such as radio massively expanded our communication range, while hyper-focusing light into lasers tremendously increased communication fidelity.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of massively

Browse Nearby Words

big-ticket
big-time
big time
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Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big-time. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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