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 Those moments would lay the groundwork for others to come that were far more consequential and far more meaningful. Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 For more than a decade, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez have been by each other’s side through the biggest moments of their lives and careers. María Munsuri, Vogue, 5 July 2026 It’s always been about knowing what to look for, but as people become savvy about the secondhand market, those moments are becoming less common. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 5 July 2026 Getty Images Abdullah Mason took a huge risk with a tricky last-minute, late opponent in Albert Bell, and there were some tense moments early. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for moment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment
Noun
  • While wedding vows typically last about one to three minutes per person, Swift and Kelce took their time celebrating one another on their big day.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The extraordinary strait lockdown could make this time different.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Doctors are emphasizing the importance of minimizing your time in the smoke as much as possible.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
  • This surge in foreign investment and economic expansion, including major deals like a $10 billion AI agreement with NVIDIA, underscores the region's rising global importance.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Croix Bethune scored a one-touch equalizer in the 52nd minute and Temwa Chawinga put the hosts ahead of the San Diego Wave with a strike in the 61st.
    The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • This wasn’t just a case of a team scoring a last-minute winner, though.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • Ripple brings together diverse perspectives from other publications to show how the country is engaging with today's biggest stories.
    Kristi Curry Rogers, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • For the special occasion, Stone dazzled in what appeared to be either a strapless or a one-shoulder gown, per a photo obtained by E!
    Robyn Merrett, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Next up is a mouthwatering quarterfinal against Naomi Osaka, a Wimbledon occasion that will hopefully be worth the wait.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • The mountain retained religious significance into the Christian era.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Historians and Egyptologists have debated the significance of these artifacts for decades.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • There have been 35 goals within five seconds of a corner being taken.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • Players each have 30 seconds on a personal clock, so whoever takes the longest and runs out of time first — sometimes because Jacquis calls for detailed clarifications — gets booted.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The invisible present befuddles each generation in every age.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
  • The new jet in question, a present from Qatar that the administration spent $400 million to retrofit and upgrade, entered service last week.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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