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 Earth’s sister planet, which is currently getting closer to Earth, will remain a major evening object all through summer. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Birkenstock is celebrating a major milestone this year as its beloved Boston clog turns 50. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 July 2026 Florida’s major theme parks self-report about visitors injured on their rides and who require at least 24 hours of hospitalization. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026 Miguel learns that the boy had been taken by Miguel’s parents and the parents of his friends after their once-prosperous village in Veracruz took a major hit. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 17 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
  • This was one of those times as Miami hosted the biggest, most important of the seven World Cup soccer matches South Florida was gifted -- the jewel.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
  • Both are already chairmen of other important committees, though.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • The outlay is considerable for a player of his age, whose truly best years may well be behind him.
    — Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Huby has shown considerable skill in working with European space officials to emerge as a leading contender to build a crew vehicle at a time when leaders there have made their desire for one clear.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Though the team failed to advance to the knockout round, its historic run inspired an outpouring of national pride, while uniting Haitians at home and abroad.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The port lies near the historic village of Tis, where archaeological remains date back to at least 2500 BCE.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • The program allows people who make sizable investments in a country to apply for citizenship.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • On the one hand, sales from China still make up a sizable chunk of its revenue.
    — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • In addition to its ongoing pursuit of LeBron James, the Heat also would like to add another veteran shooter and another veteran big man but might begin the season with only 14 under contract.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • Flair then turned her attention to Cargill and hit a big boot, forcing the disqualification.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
Definition of big
Adjective
  • With Mohamed Salah gone, Liverpool have a gap at right wing, which could present Morrison with a great opportunity to play substantial minutes and raise his profile.
    — Andy Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • When retirees are unable to access healthcare because immigrant caregivers have been deported, their adult children often deplete their savings and can incur substantial debt.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 July 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 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on major

Nglish: Translation of major for Spanish Speakers

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