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
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
  1. highly
  2. much
  3. greatly
  4. considerably
  5. utterly
  6. significantly
  7. tremendously
  8. massively
Adverb
  • Only about half of employees in his research rated leaders highly in demonstrating care.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • After what Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self believes was a highly successful two-month summer set of workouts, the 14 Jayhawk players on the 2026-27 roster have headed to their hometowns for a month-long breather.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2026
Definition of highly
Adverb
  • But the version posed to voters this year would take much longer — with the city’s first even-year election happening in 2034.
    — Tess Riski July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The move suggests Beijing is expanding its long-range strike capability across a much larger fleet instead of limiting it to a few advanced vessels.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Definition of much
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
Definition of greatly
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
Definition of considerably
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
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • But fishers haven’t taken advantage of the invasive dusky spinefoot, whose population has grown significantly in Italian waters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Scheer warns that a lack of trust significantly erodes loyalty, innovation, and retention, impacting revenue and growth.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of significantly
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
Definition of tremendously
Adverb
  • Savaiinaea, a former Arizona standout the Dolphins traded up to select in the second-round of the 2025 NFL draft, struggled massively last season.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026
  • However, exhibitors are positively euphoric about the prospect of two massively popular movies to propel the typically slow month of August.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of massively

Browse Nearby Words

big-ticket
big-time
big time
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big-time. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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