moment

noun

ˈmō-mənt How to pronounce moment (audio)
Definition of momentnext
1
as in time
a particular point at which an event takes place at that moment he suddenly turned around and headed toward me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in importance
the quality or state of being important an event of great moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in minute
a very small space of time I'll be there in just a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I'm not doing anything at the moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun moment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moment are consequence, importance, significance, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

Where would consequence be a reasonable alternative to moment?

The words consequence and moment can be used in similar contexts, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When is importance a more appropriate choice than moment?

The synonyms importance and moment are sometimes interchangeable, but importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When can significance be used instead of moment?

While in some cases nearly identical to moment, significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

When could weight be used to replace moment?

While the synonyms weight and moment are close in meaning, weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

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 moment This story is first and foremost written out of love—love for this place and these people and this particular cultural moment, all of which are now long gone. — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026 Subscribe now Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news. — Priyanka Salve,raksha Murali, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass said Martin should be praised for his commitment to strengthening state parties at a critical moment. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Every table got a personalized storytelling moment with each course. — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment
  1. time
  2. importance
  3. minute
  4. today
  5. occasion
  6. significance
  7. second
  8. present
Noun
  • Alas, there’s not enough time for this deadbeat to blossom into a real dad.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Ancillary revenue may become a larger opportunity over time, but the immediate objective is engagement.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of time
Noun
  • Most importantly, the bureau has been elevated in importance, and other ministries are now formally required to share their information.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • This month, a gay rights activist obtained the memo outlining the agreement from the Defense Department after filing a lawsuit, arguing that clarity was of public importance.
    — Jamie Stengle, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Definition of importance
Noun
  • Bake in preheated oven, rotating pans from top to bottom halfway through, until danishes are puffed and deep golden brown, 12-15 minutes.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Jaylyn Sherrod also provided a spark off the bench with seven points in nine minutes.
    — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of minute
Noun
  • Like Neto, there is some strikeout risk with Adames, but that seems to be the case with most hitters in the big leagues today.
    — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • That physical practice produced a defensive dominant today, which provided a couple of clues about the roster.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Definition of today
Noun
  • To mark the occasion, Dean brought out Fender as a surprise guest during her headlining set on T-Mobile stage on Saturday to perform their hit.
    — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Barrientos went on to explain that aguardiente (guaro is how it’s referred to in Colombia) was traditionally consumed during these celebrations—and on plenty of other occasions, too—as a shot.
    — Brian Freedman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of occasion
Noun
  • The significance lies less in the sum stolen than in the nature of the failure.
    — Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Its mission takes on a special significance during July, which is Disability Pride Month.
    — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Engineered to protect hair from extreme heat, the Supersonic™ Travel uses intelligent heat control to measure temperature 100 times per second for healthier-looking, softer-feeling hair.
    — Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Alcántara gave the Cubs a 4-3 lead with his first career home run in the second, a two-out shot to left-center after Dansby Swanson walked.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of second
Noun
  • One of the big reasons for this gap between our present and our future is that the consequences of health aren't immediate.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Since the start of his papacy, Leo has spoken about the risks AI presents for broad swaths of society.
    — Walter Scheirer, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Definition of present

Phrases Containing moment

Browse Nearby Words

mome
moment
momenta
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Cite this Entry

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on moment

Nglish: Translation of moment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moment

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