big picture

noun

variants or less commonly Big Picture
: the entire perspective on a situation or issue
—used with the

Examples of big picture 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.
There are a lot of societal issues and a lot of big picture things. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026 In the big picture, no need to overreact to the Dodgers’ 2-1 loss in the National League Championship Series opener. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, Mercury in Scorpio could stir anxious thoughts about home and family, while Saturn retrograde urges you to reflect on whether your beliefs and big picture plans still complement each other. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Oct. 2026 In the big picture, the move is part of a trend of the administration taking a friendlier approach with businesses — even at the federal agency tasked with guarding consumers from unfair and deceptive practices. — Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for big picture

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of big picture was in 1904

Rhymes for big picture

See All Rhymes for big picture

Browse Nearby Words

Big Pharma
big picture
big pine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Big picture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/big%20picture. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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