Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Big” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Something that takes up a lot of space or has great importance compared to other things
Meaning of Big
Of considerable size, extent, or importance; larger than average
How to Pronounce Big
IPA: /bɪɡ/ Stress: O
The /ɪ/ sound is short and clear. Common error: do not make it sound like 'beg'.
4 Synonyms for Big — Words Similar to Big
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
large
/lɑːrdʒ/Bigger than normal; having more size or space than expected.
Example: She has a large family with eight children.
huge
/hjuːdʒ/Something that is very, very big. Bigger than 'big' or 'large'.
Example: The elephant is huge.
great
/ɡreɪt/Something that is much bigger, better, or more impressive than normal. You use it when something is really good or has a big importance.
Example: She is a great teacher who inspires her students.
substantial
/səbˈstænʃəl/Large in amount, size, or importance; considerable and meaningful.
Example: The project received substantial funding from the government.
Smart Synonyms for Big — When to Use Each
huge
when something is extremely large in size
significant
when emphasizing importance or consequence
major
when describing something serious or important
Antonyms of Big — Opposite Words
How to Use Big and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- The big house on the hill belongs to my uncle. A1
- Learning a new language is a big commitment. A1
- She had a big influence on the company's direction. A2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Big
What is another word for "big"?
Common synonyms for "big" include: large, huge, great, substantial.
What can I say instead of "big"?
Try one of these alternatives: large, huge, great, substantial. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "big" formal or informal?
"big" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "big" instead of "large"?
Use "big" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "large" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "big"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "big" include: small, tiny, little.