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
The Stars’ history with their big-time 30-somethings Robertson will be 27 next year. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026 But his relationship as a big-time donor to Trojan athletics really began in 1998, when USC was desperate to build a new practice field for new football coach Paul Hackett. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Noun
The Iberians slipped up big time in their first match of the tournament, being shocked by Switzerland 1-0, bringing back ghosts of tournament failures past for Spanish fans. — Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 Miles escapes, but the events of that night will come back big time. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 July 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
  • These guys might do much of the unglamorous work that goes unnoticed, breaking up play, playing short passes and sliding across into position to snuff out counter-attacks, but their role is highly valued in the transfer market.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • People who have it are highly capable learners, but need to be taught in a direct, explicit way.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of highly
Adverb
  • Fernandes says the north side of the park is much better than the south side because his team is working section by section to bring change, noting that a safe park is critical to the well-being of the people who live in the area.
    — Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • And spreading out shots is not necessarily safer, because the diseases that vaccines prevent or make milder can have consequences that are much more serious than the fever or muscle soreness that can follow vaccination.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of much
Adverb
  • Reports of Usher’s replication have been greatly exaggerated.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Aug. 2026
  • These had declined sharply over the last few years, as employer hiring had greatly diminished.
    — Harry Holzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of greatly
Adverb
  • Higher stakes The stakes rise considerably when attackers target operational technology.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
  • That dynamic varies considerably from installment to installment.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerably
Adverb
  • Representations of pregnant bodies were utterly transformed in the thirty years following Moore’s famous cover.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
  • His factory boss, aware of Shigejiro’s situation at home, applauded his utterly straightforward personality and indeed even raised his salary.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of utterly
Adverb
  • Kabita died from complications of eclampsia, with severe anemia contributing significantly, says Mahato, the hospital paramedic.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The percentage and number of women directors in 2025 has significantly decreased since 2024 (a record high 16 women), but was identical to 2008.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of significantly
Adverb
  • Gary hasn’t been tremendously present around the Raiders since Klint got the job — this was his first public appearance at a practice.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The owner, who Koopmans says has a much bigger yacht and is tremendously experienced on the water, plans to operate the Zeelander 5 without a crew.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of tremendously
Adverb
  • The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition PAC spent $2 million to oust Ogles in Tennessee’s 5th District, massively outspending both Ogles and his opponent, former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher.
    — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Key Points Five Nights at Freddy’s is based on the massively popular horror video game franchise of the same name.
    — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 3 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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