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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.

This has squeezed shorts and prompted short covering that has driven up the stock price until the big break Wednesday.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Kelly: What was your big break then, or the moment?

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Your big break might come in your 50s.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

In 1962 Kertész headed to the Museum of Modern Art with 500 prints, answering an open call from John Szarkowski, the museum’s new director of photography, for portfolios by hopefuls seeking their big break.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

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

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.