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When we seek to enrich our language or articulate our thoughts more vividly, we often reach for synonyms. Big synonym is a perfect candidate for such exploration. It’s a simple and commonly used descriptor for anything of large size, importance, or intensity, yet the English language is teeming with synonyms that can substitute ‘big’, each bringing its own nuance and flavor.
Big Synonyms
What Is “Big”?
“Big” refers to something of large size, considerable scale, or major importance. It’s a term that can be used in various contexts, signaling more than just physical dimensions—it can also speak to the significance of an idea, event, or achievement.
List of Synonyms for Big
- Large
- Huge
- Giant
- Massive
- Enormous
- Immense
- Colossal
- Gigantic
- Vast
- Mammoth
- Monumental
- Substantial
- Sizeable
- Grand
- Great
- Considerable
- Extensive
- Spacious
- Voluminous
- Capacious
- Ample
- Bulky
- Hefty
- Broad
- Wide
- Expansive
- Sweeping
- Generous
- Titanic
- Towering
- Herculean
- Stupendous
- Prodigious
- Tremendous
- Gargantuan
- Jumbo
- Elephantine
- Oversized
- King-size
- King-sized
- Outsize
- Whopping
- Mega
- Epic
- Major
- Weighty
- Heavy
- Burly
- Stout
- Robust
- Beefy
- Brawny
- Strapping
- Thickset
- Chunky
- Ponderous
- Corpulent
- Cumbersome
- Full-sized
- Goodly
- Handsome
- Plentiful
- Abundant
- Copious
- Comprehensive
- Broad-spectrum
- Inflated
- Swollen
- Bloated
- Sizable
- Significant
- Influential
- Dominant
- Powerful
- Leading
- Major-league
- High-profile
- Prominent
- Preeminent
- Foremost
- Notable
- Noteworthy
- Remarkable
- Distinguished
- Illustrious
- Celebrated
- Renowned
- Famed
- Eminent
- Legendary
- Acclaimed
- Reputed
- Esteemed
- Prestigious
- Authoritative
- Commanding
- Imposing
- Stately
- Majestic
- Noble
- August
- Regal
- Lofty
- Elevated
- High
- High-reaching
- High-rising
- Sky-high
- Soaring
- Alpine
- High-altitude
- High-flown
- Uplifted
- Uplifting
Types of Synonyms for Big
Size and Scale
- Large
- Huge
- Giant
- Massive
- Colossal
- Enormous
Significance
- Important
- Significant
- Monumental
- Pivotal
- Historic
Intensity
- Tremendous
- Intense
- Major
- Hefty
Common Synonyms for Big
Big vs. Large
Big implies an above-average size, degree, or intensity, often without a precise upper limit. Large also refers to size, but it can suggest a more formal or technical measurement.
- “We need a big table to accommodate all our guests.”
- “The conference room is quite large and can seat up to 100 people.”
Big vs. Huge
Big is less intense than huge and is often more subjective. Huge emphasizes an exceptionally large size that is beyond what is normal.
- “She had a big smile on her face when she received the news.”
- “They live in a huge mansion overlooking the coast.”
Big vs. Enormous
Big is more commonly used in everyday language and does not always convey a specific size. Enormous suggests a size that is extraordinarily large and often exceeds expectations.
- “He’s got a big appetite and can finish two burgers in one go.”
- “The public library is enormous, offering a collection of over a million books.”
Big vs. Gigantic
Big conveys a sense of large size or importance in a more general sense. Gigantic refers to something that is immensely large or extensive, often implying a grand or colossal scope.
- “We’ve taken on a big project that will require all hands on deck.”
- “The ancient sequoia tree was gigantic, towering above the rest of the forest.”
Synonyms for Big in Different Contexts
Size or Volume
When we talk about the physical dimensions or the volume of an object, “big” often means large in size or taking up a lot of space. Here are a few synonyms that can be used:
- Enormous: “Our backyard pool is enormous; it takes up nearly the whole garden.”
- Huge: “We had a huge turnout for the community picnic.”
- Massive: “The library has a massive collection of books.”
Importance
In contexts where “big” refers to the significance or impact of something, its synonyms convey a sense of importance or influence:
- Significant: “The CEO announced a significant change to the company’s policy.”
- Major: “Landing this contract is a major milestone for our small firm.”
- Substantial: “She made a substantial contribution to the research.”
Generosity
“Big” can also describe the largeness of someone’s heart or their capacity for generosity, and we might use these synonyms:
- Generous: “Their generous donation made the fundraiser a success.”
- Munificent: “He is known for his munificent support of the arts.”
Absolute and Near Synonyms of Big
Absolute Synonyms for Big
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Large | Great in size, extent, or capacity |
Huge | Extremely large or great |
Massive | Large and solid or heavy |
Gigantic | Very large; like a giant in size or extent |
Colossal | Extremely large or great, typically in size or degree |
Near Synonyms for Big
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Ample | Generous or more than adequate in size, scope, or capacity |
Substantial | Of considerable importance, size, or worth |
Extensive | Covering a large area; having a great range |
Considerable | Notably large in size, amount, or extent |
Voluminous | Occupying or containing much space; large in volume |
Synonyms for Big with Examples | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some alternative words for ‘big’ in informal language?
In informal conversations, we often use words like ‘huge,’ ‘gigantic,’ and ‘massive’ to convey the idea of something being big.
What are some opposites of ‘big’?
Opposites of ‘big’ include words like ‘small,’ ‘tiny,’ and ‘miniature.’ These antonyms are useful when describing something of a lesser size.
Can you list a few synonyms and antonyms for ‘big’?
Certainly! Synonyms for ‘big’ include ‘enormous,’ ‘immense,’ and ‘substantial.’ As for antonyms, we could use ‘petite,’ ‘insignificant,’ or ‘negligible.’
What is another way to say ‘very big’?
To say ‘very big,’ you could use phrases like ‘extremely large,’ ‘colossal,’ or ‘monumental.’
What are five different ways to describe something large?
To describe something large, you might say it’s ‘vast,’ ‘bulky,’ ‘sizable,’ ‘spacious,’ or ‘expansive.’
What is an elevated or fancy term for describing something of great size?
An elevated term for something of great size could be ‘prodigious’ or ‘colossus.’ These terms add a touch of sophistication to your description.
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