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as in slow
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the study of history doesn't have to be all about dull heavy reading and the memorization of dates

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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heavy

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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective heavy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of heavy are cumbersome, cumbrous, ponderous, and weighty. While all these words mean "having great weight," heavy implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class.

a heavy child for his age

How are the words cumbrous and cumbersome related as synonyms of heavy?

Both cumbrous and cumbersome imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating.

wrestled with the cumbrous furniture
early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient

When could ponderous be used to replace heavy?

The meanings of ponderous and heavy largely overlap; however, ponderous implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia.

ponderous elephants in a circus parade

Where would weighty be a reasonable alternative to heavy?

In some situations, the words weighty and heavy are roughly equivalent. However, weighty suggests having actual and not just relative weight.

a load of weighty boxes

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of heavy
Adjective
With such heavy subject material, it can’t be stressed just how much this production hinges upon the success of its Jacob. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025 When heavy rain occurs, there is a risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
Back in the day, its sister shows on Fox were The Simpsons and Family Guy, two punch-line-heavy shows with lots of cutaway gags and surreal touches. Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2025 Huddleston was a stout redhead with a light mustache who could have played a heavy in a Seventies thriller. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heavy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy
Adjective
  • His singles are custom-made for arenas, with massive, cheery choruses reminiscent of peak ’80s MTV.
    Ross Raihala, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Marshall fire victims who joined the massive lawsuit against Xcel Energy are expected to receive their portion of the $640 million settlement before the end of the year, but the amount of money each plaintiff receives will not be publicly disclosed.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The slow start that Mayfield is alluding to has to do with the Buccaneers only scoring two field goals through the first half, and scoring their first touchdown well into the third quarter.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Construction in the section of Jackson Park, often described as Chicago’s equivalent of Central Park, has been slow.
    Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The cream is great for non-greasy moisture, perfect as fall and winter weather set in, and comes in a compact design that nods to Prada’s iconic light green shade and triangle motif.
    Kristine Kwak, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Better at Breaking Down Grease and Oil Dropping oily or greasy food onto our clothes can be a panic-inducing experience.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lemon Chiffon and Sundew, Classic Yellow and Armagnac—all evoke dusty landscapes and hazy sunlight.
    Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Frosted glass has an opaque, hazy finish that provides privacy while still allowing in light.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The National Nuclear Security Administration funds the sensors, which undergo rigorous shock, vibration, thermal vacuum, and prompt X-ray testing to survive launch and the harsh space environment.
    Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Additionally, try not to use any harsh cleaners or a really abrasive solution that may damage the surface.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • All applicants must be over 18 and able to attend an in-person intensive from May 27th to June 1st, 2026, at a private resort in Lake Arrowhead, California.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025
  • What To Know The Lawsuit A yeshiva is a Jewish religious school, typically for boys, that focuses on intensive study of sacred texts such as the Torah and Talmud, with varying amounts of general secular education depending on the community.
    Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Roundabouts help eliminate the types of crashes more likely to cause serious injuries or death.
    Eric D. Lawrence, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • The production came just in time to help the Angels (72-88) put a serious dent in the Astros’ chances of going to the playoffs.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Abrego Garcia’s lawyers have argued that travel to Moshannon is far more difficult for members of the defense team based in Nashville, and not easier for those in New York.
    Christine Valora, The Washington Examiner, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Senator Collins has proven in the past to be able to win in very difficult environments, 2008 being an example of that.
    Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Heavy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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