Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

big break

American  
[big brayk] / ˈbɪg ˈbreɪk /

noun

  1. Informal. an opportunity that leads to success, recognition, or fame.


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.

See Examples For:

He spoke with us about how he kept his acting dream a secret, his big break in a Scorsese film, and the place where he loves to unwind.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 25, 2026

Alsanawi says he got his big break working at Chelsea, where he cut players' hair for three years.

From BBC Jun. 10, 2026

Helen’s on her way to Los Angeles, looking for her big break after years of stage acting and a handful of film roles as a background extra.

From Salon Jun. 2, 2026

Can he succeed as her director, especially when her big break packs this much pressure?

From Los Angeles Times May 22, 2026

This was not the big break in information I was hoping for.

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training