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Definition of big-timenext
as in big(s)
the highest level of a field of endeavor the young ad execs knew that their agency had hit the big time when major corporations came calling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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-time
Adverb
Moreno has big-time all-around upside behind the dish, and Gurriel offers comparable bat upside to Varsho and will rotate with the three younger options in the outfield. Tony Blengino, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023 Even as the ongoing housing slump sees national home prices come down a bit from the peaks hit during the Pandemic Housing Boom, most homeowners are still up big-time. Lance Lambert, Fortune, 18 Mar. 2023
Noun
To boot, consumers—especially the well-to-do—continue to spend big time on everything from dining out to health and wellness. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 19 May 2026 Some are benefiting big time, and others not so much — especially if their regular customers are staying away, feeling squeezed from the frenzy. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for big-time
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big-time
Adverb
  • New reads abound for your vacation tote throughout the weeks of July, with fiction picks featuring a Carnival cruise casualty, a highly entertaining jewel heist at the Waldorf-Astoria, and a Soviet-era madcap adventure.
    Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • This cucumber-and-onion dip meshes both flavors from the beloved Southern appetizers to make a zesty, creamy dish that will be highly appreciated at any party.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Adverb
  • Over the past decade, home prices have risen much faster than wages.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • These conditions had much higher fatality rates in 1776 because Americans had no antibiotics, few vaccines, no understanding of germ theory, no sterile surgical techniques and limited access to hospitals, experts note.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Adverb
  • Both Israeli supporters, Jeffries and Clark, have benefited greatly from lavish campaign contributions from AIPAC — the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 July 2026
  • Regional customs and crops greatly influenced what the colonists ate.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Adverb
  • Media attention on the case has waned considerably since mid-February, ⁠when the sheriff ​and FBI released surveillance footage of an armed prowler in a ski mask shown tampering with Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera shortly ​before she was abducted.
    Jana Winter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Longer lives have produced careers that are more dynamic, less linear and often considerably longer than those experienced by previous generations.
    Sheila Callaham, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Adverb
  • Morgenthaler’s version—amaretto and lemon, punched up with a pour of high-proof bourbon, and smoothed out with an egg white—utterly transforms the drink.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026
  • Was that the most incredible goal, in its quality and significance, of an utterly incredible World Cup?
    Nick Miller, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Adverb
  • Fireworks may be the traditional way to celebrate America’s birthday, but in Alaska, 250 years call for something with a little more horsepower and significantly fewer surviving vehicles.
    Carmela Asmar, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Ensure the stain is fully gone before drying—once heat sets it in, removal becomes significantly harder.
    Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 1 July 2026
Adverb
  • Slimane, a formidable figure in fashion who had a tremendously successful run at Saint Laurent, was still in his role at the time, and yet the executive made Vaccarello an enticing offer.
    José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026
  • By not signing Rosenqvist to a contract extension before the 110th Indianapolis 500 last month, Rosenqvist’s value rose tremendously in a short period of time and will presumably lure him back to Arrow McLaren.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Adverb
  • But massively raising both taxes and welfare payments is a political nonstarter.
    Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
  • For one thing, plenty still slips through the cracks; mobile games, for instance, are massively popular, but are rarely subject to preservation efforts outside of fan projects.
    Andrew Webster, The Verge, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Big-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big-time. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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