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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

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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 Dominic Smith and Martín Pérez were not seriously thought to be major contributors to the team’s long-term plans. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Nearly three decades later, the acquisition is still a major success. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026 Alexandra Daddario is soaking up some time away after a year of major changes. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 This marks the latest major series role for Bardem in recent years. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 18 Sep. 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
  • Trump biopic The Apprentice was avoided by the major studios and then faced significant challenges before release.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Coroner’s records list Isaiah’s cause of death as a bacterial infection resulting from pneumonia, but other significant factors included blunt force trauma injuries and the impacts of long-term restraint.
    — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Steve Russell, vice president and general manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace, said accelerating this type of testing is important for developing next-gen capabilities.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Turn on account alerts for purchases, transfers, password changes and other important activity.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • The creator may own the message, but the platform has considerable influence over its distribution.
    — Sergi Cerrato, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Even today, after significant changes to the tax code, earning income through a pass-through business can carry considerable tax advantages over earning it through other types of businesses — or as an employee.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Their journey to rural Massachusetts to confront a family curse evokes the danger of historic ‘sundown towns,’ where Black travelers were not permitted to be outside past sunset.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • On the third weekend of every month, re-enactors make the Fort’s history come alive with historic demonstrations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Anyone borrowing money to make a sizable purchase, such as a home, car or large appliance, will likely take a hit eventually.
    — Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The nation’s blood centers have long relied on high school and university blood drives not only as a dependable and sizable donation source, but as an introduction to young people about the importance of donating.
    — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Lyons has made plenty of big plays this season.
    — Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Hurricanes’ defense made a big stand, forcing a holding in the end zone for a safety.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of big
Adjective
  • Its physical design is paired with substantial onboard computing, with three Turing AI chips providing up to 2,250 TOPS of effective computing power.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of carrying one sandwich or a small box, it is built to move substantial cargo between locations.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 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 Sep. 2026.

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