as in heavyweights
one of high position or importance within a group
many of the heavy hitters in the wine industry were boozing and schmoozing at the expo
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Recent Examples of heavy hitters
Fable and Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Treatment Oil The heavy hitters in this hydrating formula include ashwagandha to strengthen the roots, amla to add shine, and castor oil to condition.
—
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
There are also some heavy hitters outside of the festival’s competition strands.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Among the exhibiting artists are such heavy hitters as Rebecca Belmore, Carolina Caycedo, Tony Cokes, Nicholas Galanin, Petrit Halilaj, Max Hooper Schneider, Glenn Ligon, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch.
—News Desk, Artforum, 8 Apr. 2026
While last year's model lineup included heavy hitters from the pre-hiatus days − Behati Prinsloo, Adriana Lima and Jasmine Tookes, who proudly modeled with a growing baby bump − the show also drafted newbie talent like onetime social media star Quenlin Blackwell.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
How To Use Your PrizePicks NBA Promo The slate features several heavy hitters with massive point projections.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Protein Positive At the top of the inverted pyramid sit the heavy hitters of the protein world—foods like steak, chicken, and salmon.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
That news conference will feature some NASA heavy hitters.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Even the heavy hitters are pushing their boundaries.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
There are also some heavy hitters outside of the festival’s competition strands.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2026
Among the exhibiting artists are such heavy hitters as Rebecca Belmore, Carolina Caycedo, Tony Cokes, Nicholas Galanin, Petrit Halilaj, Max Hooper Schneider, Glenn Ligon, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch.
—News Desk, Artforum, 8 Apr. 2026
While last year's model lineup included heavy hitters from the pre-hiatus days − Behati Prinsloo, Adriana Lima and Jasmine Tookes, who proudly modeled with a growing baby bump − the show also drafted newbie talent like onetime social media star Quenlin Blackwell.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
How To Use Your PrizePicks NBA Promo The slate features several heavy hitters with massive point projections.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Protein Positive At the top of the inverted pyramid sit the heavy hitters of the protein world—foods like steak, chicken, and salmon.
—Outside, 24 Mar. 2026
That news conference will feature some NASA heavy hitters.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Even the heavy hitters are pushing their boundaries.
—Jessica Binns, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy hitters
Noun
-
Sachs is joined in competition by a lot of international heavyweights.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Boutros said the work didn’t end with the recent convictions of political heavyweights like Ald.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their bigs stay closer to the basket now.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The coaching staff saw how the pairing of Flory Bidunga and Tiller had some issues against bigger bigs.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Specifically, Alioto sought to reimagine the magazine as a many-pronged vehicle for promising tastes—like those of regular contributors and critical heavies, Grace Byron and Greta Rainbow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
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Absinthe-eyed, she projectile-vomits blunt observations and also oysters onto the heavies, overimbibing her way into her own grave once she’s inevitably discarded with a shot and shove down a stairwell (a barely-there John Magaro plays one of the gangsters).—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Bruins coach Marco Sturm made some pretty sizable line changes to start the game, plugging in rookie center Minten between David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie to try and coax more production out of his big guns.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The team needs that supporting cast clicking at the same time as big guns to create more sustained pressure.—
Dom Luszczyszyn,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
-
All terrain wheels and five point safety harnesses, combining easy maneuverability with safety and stability for everyday use.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Doncic had 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists, but was three for 13 from three and missed two big shots in the final seconds.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Played so well defensively, changed the game for us with his ball pressure and knocked down big shots.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Then the Bruins big boys decided to make a statement after that.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Will the Niners spend like big boys and sign Hendrickson, Linderbaum and JFM?—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The cars that Geely showcased at CES, in Las Vegas, were large SUVs with big wheels, opulent interiors, and three rows of seats—not unlike a Ford Explorer.—
Patrick George,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Still, expect short overhangs and big wheels, even if not quite the size of these absurdly chrome 24-inchers.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
ArsTechnica,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heavy hitters.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy%20hitters. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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