big 1 of 2

adjective

ˈbig How to pronounce big (audio)
Definition of bignext
1
as in large
of a size greater than average of its kind bought a big apple to quench his raging appetite

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in major
having great meaning or lasting effect there will be a big meeting to resolve the issue

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in great
having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature how big of you to give your subordinates most of the credit

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4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) inexperienced wine drinkers should not start with such a big wine

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in main
coming before all others in importance the big story that year was the election of the president

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6
as in fashionable
enjoying widespread favor or approval jackets with very wide lapels were big that year

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7
as in pregnant
containing unborn young within the body a mare big with a foal

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big

2 of 2

noun

1
as in heavy
one of high position or importance within a group with that new promotion he's now one of the bigs in the company

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in major league
usually bigs plural the highest level of a field of endeavor a candidate who is running for president is playing in the bigs and cannot afford to make major mistakes

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For
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a big deal
an important deal
a huge deal
a major deal
an enormous deal
a big city
a huge city
a major city
a massive city
a giant city
a sizable city
a big game
an important game
a huge game
a monumental game
a critical game
a big problem
a major problem
a serious problem
a huge problem
a tremendous problem
a humongous problem
a big mistake
a complete mistake
a total mistake
a huge mistake
a major mistake
a large mistake

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 big
Adjective
Many among Australia’s 117,000-strong Jewish population are anxious after spate of antisemitic attacks in the country’s two biggest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, since late last year – including arson attacks on synagogues, and swastikas scrawled on buildings and cars. —Angus Watson, CNN Money, 5 July 2025 The massive aerial attack arrived a day after Russia hit Ukraine with the biggest missile and drone attack of the war, launching a record number of drones at Kyiv overnight into Friday. —Natalya Kushnir, ABC News, 5 July 2025
Noun
Double bigs give Valkyries huge trouble The Valkyries have attempted to craft an identity as a scrappy, dogged defensive unit that plays above their talent level. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 28 May 2025 And in Miami, Bam Adebayo continues to thrive as a hybrid big who can score, pass, and switch. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for big
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big
  1. large
  2. major
  3. great
  4. rich
  5. main
  6. fashionable
  7. pregnant
  8. heavy
Adjective
  • Lachlan MacLean, 27, was washed overboard after getting hit by a large wave during the brothers' sail from Peru to Sydney.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • India was a collage of states, each the size of a large European country, with languages, scripts and literatures of its own.
    — Aatish Taseer, Time, 15 July 2025
Definition of large
Adjective
  • With The Hartford being one of Main Street America’s major sponsors, the local organization could eligible for additional funding in the future, Fukala said.
    — Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Horn, when healthy, is a top-10 cornerback, and his length and size are major assets in Evero’s zone-heavy coverage scheme.
    — Mike Kaye July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
Definition of major
Adjective
  • This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
  • But the common trajectory is clear: Both are moving toward empowering asset managers with greater strategic responsibility and measurable outcomes.
    — Aurele Gouy, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Definition of great
Adjective
  • Prime Day is in full swing, but Amazon founder and chairman Jeff Bezos –the world’s fourth richest person–is selling rather than buying.
    — Martina Di Licosa, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • Shapiro’s tone is conversational, luring us into a rich story about American media.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • The Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, which includes Victoria state police, federal police and Australia's main domestic spy agency, said the fire was likely a politically motivated attack.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 July 2025
  • The circular balcony, which looks down on the museum’s main lobby, is festooned with ribbons from the ceremony that took place when the Long Wharf moved from its longtime home on the loading dock to offices in the Audubon arts district.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Definition of main
Adjective
  • In the snap, the mother-of-two looked as fashionable as ever, this time styling the supportive shoes with a navy linen mini dress and gold jewelry.
    — Averi Baudler, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Shop the best markdowns of fashionable favorites such as Favorite Daughter best-selling trouser, Rag & Bone’s capri pants and By Malene Birger’s knitted skirt.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 July 2025
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • The anonymous pregnant woman, who is also a plaintiff, has not yet tried to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine during her pregnancy but intends to, according to her attorneys.
    — ByMary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 July 2025
  • Melendez's wife, Maria, is pregnant and has a 11-month-old son.
    — Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Definition of pregnant
Noun
  • As noted, newspapers and magazines have been conceived as a package—a mix of the light and the heavy.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Others are the heaviest of the heavy: a college student rendered brain-dead by a fentanyl overdose, a little girl who fatally drowns while saving her sister who fell into their swimming pool.
    — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2025
Definition of heavy

Phrases Containing big

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bifurcations
big
bigamies
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Cite this Entry

“Big.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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