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 The Okefenokee Swamp is regarded as one of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystems, encompassing a vast network of wetlands that supports exceptional biodiversity and serves as the source of two major rivers. — ABC News, 25 July 2026 While the defense got a major face-lift this offseason, the cornerback position still has a lot of burning questions. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 Reporting from Kansas City Public Radio shows that larger redevelopment plans and financing discussions are still underway, with major projects now expected to move forward. — Taylor Haught, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026 By law, the armed forces of Ukraine, like every major military in the world, centralizes weapons orders via the defense ministry. — Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 24 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
  • Burnham’s faith is significant given the centuries of legislation and convention that effectively prevented Catholics from becoming prime minister.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • While Kyiv has made significant progress since 2022 in defending itself against Russian missile and drone attacks, the country remains extremely vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes.
    — Ihor N. Stelmach, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Saturday’s humid match was extremely important to England and France fans in attendance.
    — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
  • That love began with an important technological introduction.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Her new position at the scene’s forefront came with considerable expectations, and her occasionally dazzling debut, Silence Is Loud, felt the weight of those demands.
    — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
  • Skattebo’s recovery has therefore commanded considerable attention.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • The storm system that caused historic flooding in West Virginia Tuesday into Wednesday and wreaked havoc from the Ohio Valley to the East Coast will linger across Virginia and the Southeast through the end of the week.
    — Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
  • For many, its mix of Victorian-era architecture and historic landmarks is worth the trip alone.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Impact craters are formed by sizable objects such as meteorites crashing into the Earth’s surface.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • The France Under-20 international’s ceiling is extremely high, though, which is why Newcastle have invested another sizeable sum in someone who has only just celebrated his 20th birthday.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of sizable
Adjective
  • About the swamp A big, big place The Okefenokee Swamp is vast, 438,000-440,000 acres spanning about 700 square miles mostly in Charlton, Ware and Clinch counties in Georgia‘s southeast corner.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • That means one in four rooms were available during the world’s biggest sporting event.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Definition of big
Adjective
  • Key concerns for investors include the company's existing debt, the substantial proceeds already taken by private owners, and the concentrated control Blackstone will retain post-offering.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • If the impact centres are on the same line, Babcock will need to find substantial wingers to play with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the second unit, or Stan Bowman will need to find a second-line centre.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 20 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of major for Spanish Speakers

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