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 However, no major movement to pressure Martin to step down as DNC chair has materialized. — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026 Single-cell sequencing revealed two major types of cardiac neurons. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 Looking to innovation as jet fuel prices rise Having the extended 500-mile range would enable the ES-30 hybrid-electric airliner to operate in popular short-haul corridors that connect major US and European cities. — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026 Chemical management remains a major area for improvement for the denim industry. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 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
  • In the years after the Covid-19 pandemic, San Francisco saw a significant population decline, losing more than 60,000 residents between 2020 and 2022, according to US Census data.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The Army's most significant response has been the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, a pre-basic training program primarily at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for recruits who narrowly miss academic or body-fat standards.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Ironically, the authority of doctors was supremely important to medieval people, even if the treatments seem barbaric and ineffective now.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • That choice was to keep him fresh for the more important league game on the weekend.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • In retrospect, the accusation may contain no truth, some truth, or considerable truth.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Severe thunderstorms are possible from Tuesday afternoon into the overnight hours, but forecasters say there is considerable uncertainty about when and where storms will develop.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • The comments by Akishino, the next in line for the throne, come just weeks after a historic revision to the Imperial House Law by the conservative government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that insists only paternal-lineage men can become emperor.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The mayor said people visiting historic Bushnell Park don’t want to look down and see a message about slip and falls.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Access to footage requires a sizable payment, disclosure of the project’s editorial purpose, legal review, and approval before material can be released.
    — Addie Morfoot, IndieWire, 14 Aug. 2026
  • First introduced in 1988, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced took the Speedmaster Professional — which comes in a sizable 42mm case sizing — and slimmed it down to a chill 39mm.
    — Tres Dean, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • Japan captain Warner Dearns said his lineup did everything possible to match it with the bigger Australian pack in the first half.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Fireplace Shangri-la room is your own personal retreat, complete with an oversized soaking tub (big enough for even a tall girl like myself to enjoy) and separate shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of big
Adjective
  • Its compact design aims to provide substantial carrying capacity without relying on conventional vehicles.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Organizations often spend substantial energy articulating ambitious outcomes while devoting less attention to the routines that make those outcomes possible.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of substantial

Phrases Containing major

Browse Nearby Words

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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of major for Spanish Speakers

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