bigwig

noun

ˈbig-ˌwig How to pronounce bigwig (audio)
Definition of bigwignext
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group interviewed by several bigwigs on the hospital's staff

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 bigwig Several members of the cast and writer’s room, including Dippold and co-star Jeff Hiller, got their start with the Upright Citizens Brigade, an improvisational sketch-comedy group founded by comedy bigwigs like Amy Poehler and Adam McKay. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Naturally, Bravo’s bigwigs and Cohen were pretty peeved to see gossip sites scooping them on their own reunion. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2026 Immediately afterwards, international dance music bigwigs such as Carl Cox, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, and Peggy Gou took over the sound system to get everyone on the dance floor. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 6 June 2026 Ever since 1948, when the resident artist Victor Vasarely put Gordes on the map, the town has welcomed political bigwigs, French presidents, artists, and musicians. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bigwig
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bigwig
  1. heavyweight
  2. big
  3. heavy
  4. magnate
  5. tycoon
Noun
  • The art is from the private collection of Paolo and Antonella De Santis, Valentina's parents, and is mostly from the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, with pieces by heavyweights like Anselm Kiefer.
    — Ondine Cohane, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Once in the postseason, there will be no cakewalking for Columbine in a 4A field headlined by Western Slope heavyweight Montrose as well as Ponderosa, Monarch, Broomfield and Mesa Ridge.
    — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of heavyweight
Noun
  • That is a remarkable incentive, if not catnip, to send Condon to the bigs.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Pick-and-rolls at the top of the floor with bigs, pick-and-rolls with smalls.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of big
Noun
  • Dallas Caton’s bass-heavy production lays the foundation for the frantic and propulsive record.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • Soon after Rhaenyra executes Otto Hightower, who was once mastermind of that family’s schemes, Ormund steps up to be the faction’s new heavy.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
Definition of heavy
Noun
  • Sargeant, a Florida oil magnate, had come under fire from Venezuelan opposition figures and US allies for allegedly propping up Maduro.
    — Fabiola Zerpa, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Ryan Reynolds is already something of a modern-day Renaissance man, being a highly successful actor, billionaire business mogul, and global soccer magnate.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of magnate
Noun
  • By the end of the 2000s, those rates had crashed even further, allowing the wealthiest families to keep nearly two-thirds of an estate after a tycoon’s passing.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Another second-generation tycoon featured in this issue is Eusebio Tanco in Manila, a London School of Economics grad who’s remade his family group, with roots in cement and metal trading, by diversifying into unrelated areas.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of tycoon

Browse Nearby Words

big wheels
bigwig
bigwigs
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Cite this Entry

“Bigwig.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bigwig. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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