major

adjective

ˈmā-jər How to pronounce major (audio)
Definition of majornext
1
as in significant
sufficiently large in size, amount, or number to merit attention with several blockbuster hits under her belt, the actress now commands some major cash for appearing in a movie

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in important
having great meaning or lasting effect a major change in how science is taught in our high schools

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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 major His major accomplishment, though, is at the level of the individual characters. — Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025 So for example, whether or not the issue is really about the U.S. buying Greenland or invading Greenland, Arctic security is a real issue, particularly in the context of climate change, where the North passage could become a major trade route, and where Russia and China are already keenly focused. — Edward Felsenthal, TIME, 16 Mar. 2025 Here’s your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area. — Kansas City Star Bot, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025 Cauley entered the week needing 66 more FedExCup points in his next six PGA Tour starts to secure an extension of his major medical through the end of the season. — Justin Ray, The Athletic, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for major
Recent Examples of Synonyms for major
  1. significant
  2. important
  3. considerable
  4. historic
  5. substantial
  6. big
  7. sizable
Adjective
  • But a significant drop in traffic volumes measured during the trial changed that.
    — Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Western military analysts and U.S. officials believe that the order to hold back equipment is likely to take several months to have a significant impact on the front.
    — arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of significant
Adjective
  • Ensuring Resonance: Connecting Emotionally for Commitment While data and logic are important, influence ultimately hinges on emotional connection.
    — Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of important
Adjective
  • Dividends are particularly important for investors to consider, because historically speaking dividends have provided a considerable share of the stock market’s total return.
    — Dividend Channel, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Her appeal is mostly based on her music, savvy creative direction, and considerable charisma.
    — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of considerable
Adjective
  • Turkish authorities in the historic city of Niğde recently detained six people after finding an unusual possession in one of their homes: a medieval mummy allegedly destined for sale on the black market.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Ultimately, the guild won some historic provisions to serve as a baseline for future negotiations, including contractual language to define a writer as a human.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of historic
Adjective
  • Among teachers who regularly use AI tools, this optimism grows even stronger, with 67% acknowledging the substantial reduction in workplace stress associated with AI.
    — Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Those who did receive their spoons often comment on the substantial delays, but reviews are largely positive.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of substantial
Adjective
  • In total, sharp bets caused lines to move by 2½ points or more on nine games with the biggest adjustment on Wisconsin from -23 to -16 vs. Montana.
    — Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Telefónica, one of Europe’s biggest telcos, has been instrumental in the digitalization and connectivity required for high-end productions.
    — Jamie Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of big
Adjective
  • Endeavor has been steadily unloading assets in the wake of an April 2024 announcement that private equity giant Silver Lake—already a sizable Endeavor investor—would be taking the company private at $27.5 per share.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • By the numbers: In San Antonio-area congressional districts, veterans make up a sizable share of civilian federal employment, per new data from the Economic Policy Institute.
    — Emily Peck, Axios, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of sizable

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“Major.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/major. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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