big deal

[big deel] / ˈbɪg ˈdil /

NOUN

something or someone important

Synonyms

WEAK

VIP big cheese big enchilada big fish big gun big shot big wheel biggie bigwig boss boss man head honcho hotshot important person top dog tycoon very important person

ADJECTIVE

impressive

Synonyms

STRONG

big-league big-time hotshot significant substantial

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Retiring is such a big deal, so I love to hear that you are celebrating it as such.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

So to say now, out loud, that you think he is a dud is a big deal.

From BBC • May 10, 2026

The UAE's exit is "a big deal" for OPEC, said Amena Bakr, an analyst at Kpler.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

It’s a big deal for voters, particularly baby boomers and Generation X-ers heading into retirement.

From MarketWatch • May 2, 2026

“I can introduce you later,” Benji said like it was no big deal, though he hadn’t met them yet.

From "Millionaires for the Month" by Stacey McAnulty