major leagues

plural of major league
as in bigs
the highest level of a field of endeavor when you've landed a tenure-track position at that university, you're playing in the major leagues

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 leagues Adopting relegation and promotion might also prepare our major leagues to consider another soccer hallmark that Americans loathe. Maurice O'Sullivan, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2026 The probe has put the NFL’s deal making under a microscope and could be a signal that the other major leagues may face their own inquiries. Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Fandom can extend beyond sports, but major leagues represent the largest generators of social connectivity. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 11 May 2026 This summer’s transfer window was a record-setting one, with Premier League teams spending more than £3billion — seven of the 20 clubs paid the highest fee in their history — as the division outspent Europe’s other four major leagues combined. Liam Tharme, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for major leagues
Noun
  • Plus, if Seattle wants to move Magbegor to create space for the young bigs, then other teams will know the Storm are doing so from a position of weakness.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Data show those players have about an 11% chance to reach the bigs (compared to about 81% for those picked in the first round).
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Burns threw 100 innings at Wake Forest as a junior, then 109 1/3 innings between the minors and big leagues last season.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • With prices so high, media companies are narrowing their packages, leaving some big leagues like the NBA spread across more networks and streamers.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Major leagues.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/major%20leagues. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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