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
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 Alan Cumming, please tell me if you were actually annoyed with Victor in that moment. — Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 Across the 13-episode first season (critics received three episodes for review), the pair immerse themselves in a newlywed bubble while trying to embrace the chaotic family and friends who orbit them — often infiltrating their private moments. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 The shooting comes at a moment of particular tension in France, after nationwide protests turned violent last Saturday and ahead of possible unrest this coming weekend. — CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026 Choosing an anchor feature Outdoor saunas are having a moment. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment
Noun
  • Burks personally prosecuted five capital murder death penalty cases during her time at the district attorney’s office.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Playing a real game in Spectrum Center for the first time since trading away LaMelo Ball over the summer, this was Charlotte’s first chance since that controversial deal to show the home fans that the deal was a good one.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • These findings point to the importance of substantive local relationships for multinational companies.
    — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The trade association acknowledged Children’s Mercy’s importance in providing specialized pediatric care, but said ACA coverage must remain financially sustainable across Missouri’s health care system.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The full, 45-minute set is available now to UK viewers on BBC iPlayer.
    — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • And the Current put the ball in the net twice in the five minutes before Hopkins’ second, only to be called for offside each time.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Debbie Zildjian, who oversees the alloy process today, learned it from her father.
    — Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Simply wager $5 today to earn one $50 bonus bet token, and then repeat that process for five days to earn five tokens, totaling $250 in bonuses.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There are few occasions that garner such good-willed camaraderie in New York City as the annual marathon, though the Knicks historic win this summer brought people out into the streets in rivaling numbers.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But depending on the occasion, the ambiance can be just as important.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The technology’s significance extends beyond completing individual development milestones.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Opel/Stellantis GM walked away from Opel in 2017 and American buyers rarely get a taste of modern Opel products, but the STX has significance for the broader global market.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In tests by cybersecurity firm McAfee, a three-second clip was enough to generate a clone with an 85% match to the original speaker.
    — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Hischier scored off a rebound on a power play with 41 seconds left in the period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That’s the dark story Brooke is ready to tell the world in a manuscript she’s brought from Sag Harbor—the world’s least welcome Christmas present.
    — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Dug into the terrain, the 4,400-square-foot house presents as a single story from the front but descends to a lower level.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on moment

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster