bigwig

noun

ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
Definition of bigwignext
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group interviewed by several bigwigs on the hospital's staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bigwig Immediately afterwards, international dance music bigwigs such as Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Peggy Gou took over the sound system to get everyone on the dance floor. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 6 June 2026 Ever since 1948, when the resident artist Victor Vasarely put Gordes on the map, the town has welcomed political bigwigs, French presidents, artists, and musicians. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 The joke around the proverbial water cooler goes that this is apparently the week all the bigwigs in lit world got together and decided to embrace their own destruction. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026 Davis also grew up with another Outfit bigwig, Peter DiFronzo, and was known to go golfing and deep sea fishing with him, according to testimony from Davis’ 2015 trial. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bigwig
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bigwig
  1. heavyweight
  2. big
  3. heavy
  4. magnate
  5. tycoon
Noun
  • Last month, technology heavyweights such as Microsoft, Palantir and Nvidia signed a letter urging policymakers to avoid restricting open-weight models and suppressing competition.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The upbeat results lifted global tech stocks, including major gains for Asian heavyweights.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of heavyweight
Noun
  • As for other options to add rim-protecting bigs, Hassan Whiteside is available for a Heat reunion.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That gives Okot more opportunities to develop alongside the second unit with Naz Hillmon while learning to play alongside both veteran bigs.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of big
Noun
  • Dallas Caton’s bass-heavy production lays the foundation for the frantic and propulsive record.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • Soon after Rhaenyra executes Otto Hightower, who was once mastermind of that family’s schemes, Ormund steps up to be the faction’s new heavy.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
Definition of heavy
Noun
  • One of his earliest and most public successes was the restoration of John Jacob Astor IV, the ultra-wealthy Manhattan business magnate who drowned with the Titanic.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • But the great-grandson became wealthy in his own right as a magnate and pioneer in the New York hotel industry.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of magnate
Noun
  • Another second-generation tycoon featured in this issue is Eusebio Tanco in Manila, a London School of Economics grad who’s remade his family group, with roots in cement and metal trading, by diversifying into unrelated areas.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Industrial tycoon Daniel Kretinsky, for example, has turned into one of the most prominent dealmakers in Europe.
    — Bloomberg, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of tycoon

Browse Nearby Words

big wheels
bigwig
bigwigs
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Cite this Entry

“Bigwig.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bigwig. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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