as in bigs
one of high position or importance within a group
when she became the network's White House correspondent, she knew that she was now playing with the big boys
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Recent Examples of big boys
Then the Bruins big boys decided to make a statement after that.
—
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Will the Niners spend like big boys and sign Hendrickson, Linderbaum and JFM?
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Only little boys are called big boys.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
There are big boys throwing their weight around, and there are wild skinnies with flying arms and spinning back-kicks, chopping out their emergency version of personal space.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
One of the biggest reasons the Padres’ slugging numbers are down is that those big boys have not produced the power that was expected out of them.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
Will the Niners spend like big boys and sign Hendrickson, Linderbaum and JFM?
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
Only little boys are called big boys.
—Arkansas Online, 15 Jan. 2026
There are big boys throwing their weight around, and there are wild skinnies with flying arms and spinning back-kicks, chopping out their emergency version of personal space.
—James Parker, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2025
One of the biggest reasons the Padres’ slugging numbers are down is that those big boys have not produced the power that was expected out of them.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for big boys
Noun
-
Defensive struggles against the Joel Embiid/Tyrese Maxey pick-and-roll, which has flummoxed Boston’s bigs since Embiid’s mid-series return.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
1 May 2026
-
His solid play in the outfield gives him a real chance to play in the bigs within the next three years.—
Spencer Nusbaum,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
And though the Innere Stadt is where most tourists stay, Vienna isn’t rammed like Paris; there are plenty of Viennese out and about, especially at the neighborhood’s cultural heavyweights.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
-
His founding of a law firm (now known as GrayRobinson) that has become one of the state’s legal and lobbying heavyweights.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
None have wheels or are actually mobile like an RV or trailer.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Stars don’t shine The Bruins’ big guns finished with some ugly numbers for the series.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
-
But the Penguins’ big guns are starting to turn back the clock.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
However, on season 2 of Twin Peaks, the actress played Miss Jones, the right-hand woman for one of the series' heavies, Thomas Eckhardt (the late David Warner).—
Drew Mackie,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Specifically, Alioto sought to reimagine the magazine as a many-pronged vehicle for promising tastes—like those of regular contributors and critical heavies, Grace Byron and Greta Rainbow.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Breakouts are getting a full-on rebrand thanks to these Gen Z heavy hitters.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Set along the cold, deep waters of Islay’s village of Port Ellen, the hotel is well placed for long blustery walks along the Three Distilleries Pathway, which takes you to the island’s heavy hitters of Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and, of course, Ardbeg.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While McCollum made the big shots late, Kuminga’s role was massive.—
Darnell Mayberry,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Guys stepping up in big moments, making big shots.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The car's quirky appearance is enhanced by a sporty body kit and big wheels that are pushed to the farthest edges.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The cars that Geely showcased at CES, in Las Vegas, were large SUVs with big wheels, opulent interiors, and three rows of seats—not unlike a Ford Explorer.—
Patrick George,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Big boys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/big%20boys. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
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