Synonyms of at-largenext
: relating to or being a political representative who is elected to serve an entire area rather than one of its subdivisions
an at-large city councilor
an at-large election

at large

2 of 2

phrase

1
a
: free of restraint or confinement
the escaped prisoner is still at large
b
: without a specific subject or assignment
critic at large
2
: as a whole
society at large
3
: as the political representative of or to a whole area rather than of one of its subdivisions
used in combination with a preceding noun
a congressman-at-large
4
: at length
5
: in a general way

Examples of at-large in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Dan Nadel, the Lucas Museum’s curator-at-large, left the institution to join the Whitney Museum in New York. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026 The cast will put their charisma, creativity and composure to the test in a series of challenges, led and judged by PEOPLE’s editor-in-chief and general manager Charlotte Triggs and editor-at-large Janine Rubenstein. Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
Phrase
Three men are charged, and one is still at large in connection with the pistol-whipping and robbery of a 16-year-old boy Thursday at a Vernon Hills Park District maintenance facility, authorities said Sunday. Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 This new technology is primarily aimed at large organizations such as customs agencies, alcohol producers and distributors, and food safety authorities. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at-large

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1962, in the meaning defined above

Phrase

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of at-large was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“At-large.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at-large. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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