Definition of weightynext
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as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others one of the weightiest figures in the field of pediatric medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weighty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weighty are cumbersome, cumbrous, heavy, and ponderous. While all these words mean "having great weight," weighty suggests having actual and not just relative weight.

a load of weighty boxes

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

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 can heavy be used instead of weighty?

In some situations, the words heavy and weighty are roughly equivalent. However, heavy implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class.

a heavy child for his age

When might ponderous be a better fit than weighty?

The synonyms ponderous and weighty are sometimes interchangeable, but ponderous implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia.

ponderous elephants in a circus parade

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 weighty The keys felt weighty and responsive, with white backlighting that stands out beautifully against the dark keycaps. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 25 June 2026 Mendoza doesn’t have the same weighty last name or pedigree as Manning. Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 June 2026 For many parents, though, such excitement can present daily challenges and weighty decisions. ABC News, 25 June 2026 The Pro will be no less weighty, but if need to travel up to 140 miles (225 km) per trip then the numerous pros will outweigh the single con. Paul Ridden june 23, New Atlas, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • Beijing has and been accused of serious human violations, including large-scale arbitrary detention of Uyghur and other Muslim minorities, in Xinjiang.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Prosecutors said Anthony Edmond and Rafael Enriquez face the most serious charges, including conspiracy involving firearms trafficking, machineguns and drug trafficking.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • To address those concerns, Hulls has committed roughly $15 million to establish the Good Luck Fund, which acquires and preserves properties considered important to the community.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • What are the most important values of the community that the superintendent must honor regardless of pressure or politics?
    Samuel O’Neal June 25, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Atlanta Braves at Truist Park A massive Braves block party will take place in Truist Park on Saturday, with flyovers, baseball, fireworks and more.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Artist Stan Herd created a massive quarter-acre Algerian flag earthwork near the Lied Center on west campus.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Ureña, a 22-year-old right-hander who has emerged as another potential ace, speaks of Soriano with a giddy amusement mixed with a solemn respect for how the starter has survived in the big leagues.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Dozens of firefighters lined the street in a solemn salute to their fallen colleagues.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The world's most influential creative institutions are beginning to recognize and showcase AI creators not as fringe, but as legitimate members of the creative community.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • The Kentucky Republican is regarded as one of the most influential and consequential American politicians in modern history.
    Drew Pittock, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Maybe Bill Plaschke would be aware of that, and give due credit, if his hometown major newspaper bothered to have a dedicated correspondent covering one of the city’s NBA teams.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Some of these storms could be severe and deliver damaging wind gusts, but any thunderstorm will contain lightning — a major danger for any outdoor activities, especially for anyone trying to escape the heat in or on the water.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • The lightweight, double-layered design offers extra coverage without feeling heavy, while the stretchy waistband and flowy design keep it comfortable all day.
    Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Look for a dense melon that's heavy for its size because it'll be packed with more juice, more sugar and more flavor.
    Veronica Bravo, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Judges have to throw the book at those arrested to teach them a stern lesson.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 17 June 2026
  • However, for students graduating right now, Hammer can't really summon up anything stern to say.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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