Another Word for Big: 18 Synonyms with Examples
“Big” means large in size, amount or importance. More precise words show scale, weight or significance.
As an adjective: large in size
- large
- huge
- enormous
- massive
- vast
- giant
- sizeable
- hefty
As an adjective: important or serious
- important
- major
- significant
- serious
- weighty
- momentous
As an adjective: older or grown up
- older
- elder
- grown-up
- adult
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- large
- Slightly more formal; preferred for measurements and amounts.
- huge
- Much bigger than expected; also informal emphasis.
- vast
- For great extent or area: vast plains, a vast collection.
- sizeable
- Fairly large; useful for amounts of money and groups.
- major
- For importance, not size: a major decision.
Example sentences
- large: The company employs a large number of graduates.
- huge: A huge crowd gathered outside the stadium.
- vast: The library has a vast collection of maps.
- sizeable: She made a sizeable donation to the school.
- major: Moving abroad was a major decision.
Opposite of big
- small
- little
- tiny
- minor
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “big”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: bad
adverb: boastfully
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “big”?
The most useful alternatives are “large”, “huge”, “enormous”, “massive”, “vast”. For the main sense (large in size), “large” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “large” and “huge”?
large: Slightly more formal; preferred for measurements and amounts. huge: Much bigger than expected; also informal emphasis.
What is the opposite of “big”?
Common antonyms are “small”, “little”, “tiny”, “minor”.