MOMENTUM Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

momentum

noun

mō-ˈmen-təm

Definition of momentum

as in impetus

something that arouses action or activity the former president's endorsement was all the momentum the campaign needed

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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 momentum The defense did well to stop the momentum, including a good play by Mike Hughes to break up a pass and prevent a touchdown on a third-down throw by Baker Mayfield. — AJC.com, 1 Nov. 2026 Atlanta’s momentum continued with a 9-0 run to jump out to their largest lead of the game, led by guard Jordin Canada. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026 Miami went three-and-out on the next drive, its momentum stalled after Ollie Gordon drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after saying something to a defender following a 5-yard carry. — ABC News, 1 Nov. 2026 That was the defensive stop needed to swing the tides of momentum, and Mensah didn’t thwart that opportunity. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentum

Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum

Noun

The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

The departures concentrated in September 2025, when the administration's incentive programs for resignation and early retirement took effect.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Congress should pass legislation that ensures predictable payments that reflect fair market rates and removes incentives to exploit arbitration while preserving strong protections against surprise bills.

— Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.

— Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Mid-month, an interesting and rare triple conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and the South Node constellates in Leo, pumping you up with confidence and motivation to go all the way for the gold.

— Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of motivation

Noun

Even seemingly small increases—like switching from 10-pound to 12-pound dumbbells, for example—can provide enough of an effective stimulus to build strength without over-stressing your body.

— Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 3 Nov. 2026
China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

moments of truth

momentum

momes

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“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentum. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of momentum

noun

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