Phrase guide

big word

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An erudite word, especially a Latinate or multisyllabic one; a word used by scholars, intellectuals, etc., but that is not commonly known outside of academia.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The customer complained that the instructions were incomprehensible, and our office tried to provide remedial help, but when they complained that “supplementary” and “atmospheric” were big words, we knew that they were beyond help.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Boastful or exaggerated statements.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: in-plural

Examples

  • big words from a little man

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: big talk

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.