major

adjective

ˈmā-jər How to pronounce major (audio)
Definition of majornext
1
as in significant
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention with several blockbuster hits under her belt, the actress now commands some major cash for appearing in a movie

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect a major change in how science is taught in our high schools

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 major City clerks, although not elected by the public, play a major role in maintaining administrative records and ensuring the legislative process operates properly. — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026 On top of that, Kelce appeared on the cover of GQ magazine and spoke openly about his and Swift’s relationship for the first time with a major publication. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 3 July 2026 Some of these storms could be severe and deliver damaging wind gusts, but any thunderstorm will contain lightning — a major danger for any outdoor activities, especially for anyone trying to escape the heat in or on the water. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 Maybe Bill Plaschke would be aware of that, and give due credit, if his hometown major newspaper bothered to have a dedicated correspondent covering one of the city’s NBA teams. — Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for major
Recent Examples of Synonyms for major
  1. significant
  2. important
  3. considerable
  4. historic
  5. sizable
  6. big
  7. substantial
Adjective
  • That’s reigniting age-old feuds about production quotas that already led the United Arab Emirates, one of OPEC’s most significant members, to leave the group in April.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • It is recommended that any batteries in devices that will be stored for significant periods should undergo a maintenance routine to maintain their health by charging them to half capacity every six months.
    — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • One interesting trend is that this tournament will feature some very good tight ends, a position that has become increasingly important in college football and the NFL but not so much in high school football in the era of spread offenses.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • As technology becomes more sophisticated and the number of living survivors continues to decline, preserving authentic testimony becomes even more important.
    — Eva Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • The moves come as nostalgia continues to drive a considerable chunk of the music industry’s profits.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2026
  • Also expected to draw considerable interest are individual talks on how to co-produce with Italy, Canada, Spain, France, Chile, Mexico and Argentina, hosted by reps from each territory.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 6 July 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • And in one section, 1,200 cc engines are being assembled for the company’s new superpremium motorbike, the Norton Manx R, one of four new models from the historic British brand now owned by TVS Motor and set to go on sale later this year.
    — Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • New York — The stocks that have fueled Wall Street’s powerful AI rally are suddenly under pressure as investors evaluate rising tensions in the Middle East, take profits after a historic run and reassess where to find value.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • The hard-right Vox party at one stage even reached out to Latinos, now a sizable voting bloc, assuming that Catholic, Evangelical, and anti-Communist members of those communities would share right-wing values.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
  • Other states with sizable contingents include West Virginia, Nebraska, Florida and Louisiana.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • Meta, Oracle, Microsoft and other big tech companies have laid off tens of thousands of employees, while simultaneously investing billions in AI data centers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Also in attendance to celebrate the couple on their big day was Dunham's ex and Swift's longtime collaborator, Jack Antonoff, who was seen leaving for the event with his sister, Rachel Antonoff.
    — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of big
Adjective
  • Trading commodities, futures, and options involves a substantial risk of loss.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • For smaller private colleges that are tuition dependent and lack substantial and accessible endowments, even a modest reduction in enrollment could prove calamitous.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of substantial

Phrases Containing major

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majesty
major
majordomo
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Cite this Entry

“Major.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/major. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of major for Spanish Speakers

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