big names
Well-known public figures
Big names are prominent or famous people, especially in a particular field: The festival attracted big names from across the music industry.
The phrase emphasizes reputation and recognition—a big name draws attention and carries influence.
Also used attributively: a big-name celebrity, big-name brands.
- heavyweightsDominant figures in domain
- greatsOutstanding famous individuals
- VIPsNotable people, abbreviated
- top brassSenior leadership collectively
- A-listerTop-tier famous person
celebrities · luminaries · tycoons · moguls · top dogs · influencers · leaders · visionaries · megastar · reformer · stars · dignitaries · who's who · notables · movers and shakers · icon · legend · statesperson
- famous peoplecelebrity, star, stars, legend, icon
- VIPscelebrities, superstars, head of state, stars, legend
big namesunknowns
Undetermined quantities
nobodies · no-names · the unknown · unknown quantities · small fry
big namessmall fry
Children or insignificant people
bit players · nobodies · small potatoes · lightweights · also-rans
big, nickname, bigger, names, biggest, nominate, bigly, nameless, namely