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

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2
3
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 And that's when the fish-slap moment happens. Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 Time and life compress, and moments become less defining. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 13 Apr. 2026 And there was that moment during the Vanity Fair Oscars post-party that left people talking. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Apr. 2026 The book doesn’t read those moments as proof that the American experiment worked. Geoff Bennett, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment
Noun
  • However, this time around, Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, opted to fly business class on Qantas, surprising some of their fellow fliers on the flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne.
    Helen Murphy, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
  • At the same time, the nation’s weapons manufacturers—part of what is known inside the Beltway as the defense-industrial base, or DIB—have grown cautious after years of fast-shifting congressional priorities.
    Garrett M. Graff, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Mauresmo repeated the importance of privacy for players — an issue raised by Iga Swiatek and Gauff at this year's Australian Open.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Martone deflected a point shot from Matvei Michkov, the 21-year-old Russian who navigated an uneven first half of the season only to heat up as the games heightened in importance down the stretch.
    CBS News, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Anna Moorhouse The goalkeeper is getting regular minutes for Orlando Pride and also started in the 8-0 win over China in November, so seems Hampton’s backup.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Clutch scoring is defined as points that come in the final five minutes of a game where the point differential between teams is five or less.
    Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • February 19 – March 20 Gentle values guide today’s choices.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Another day and another storm chance today.
    Ron Smiley, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • New Zealand's finishing let it down on numerous occasions, notably when Jackson missed an open goal in the 51st minute.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • McGinnis, who played at TCU from 1970 to ‘72 and coached there on two separate occasions, was a longtime NFL defensive assistant, and the Arizona Cardinals head coach for three-plus years, died on Monday at his home in Nashville.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Yet Monday’s flyby — the first time humans had reached the moon since 1972 — held emotional significance for the crew and space enthusiasts beyond the mission’s technical objectives.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The true significance of Pakistan's intervention only became clear when both sides agreed to a pause shortly after a down-to-the-wire plea from the country's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif.
    Betsy Joles, NPR, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Bouda’s second of the game in the 80th minute was a rocket inside the far post.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Unfortunate not to score a second, hitting the woodwork following a cheeky backheel from Bronze.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The piece celebrates the music, culture and incredible leaps for humankind made during that summer, while also reminding us that our history isn’t so dissimilar from our present.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Tamas also said there’s excitement about the opportunity a conference tournament presents, particularly for teams that may have battled injuries during the season but can regroup late for a run.
    Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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