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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Recent Examples of momentum
His bid has since gained momentum despite scrutiny over past controversial comments and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol.
—
Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Some of the new council members plan to keep up the momentum for change, in part by revising city rules to give residents a vote on public-land projects.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Big Deal Bank of America payments data shows that just about 3% of Bank of America households currently pay for AI services, but momentum is building.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Now there is momentum behind new rail links and pipelines, though neither offers a quick fix.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for momentum
Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
Some of the new council members plan to keep up the momentum for change, in part by revising city rules to give residents a vote on public-land projects.
—Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026
Big Deal Bank of America payments data shows that just about 3% of Bank of America households currently pay for AI services, but momentum is building.
—Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
Now there is momentum behind new rail links and pipelines, though neither offers a quick fix.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for momentum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum
Noun
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And taking small steps to connect with others — even as simple as engaging in idle chitchat with a stranger — can be an impetus for broader change.—
Keith Wagstaff,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Didn’t even know what the impetus was for the saying.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This is not an indictment of individuals but of incentives built into a system structured to protect bureaucracy while classrooms absorb the pressure.—
Daniel L Gordon,
Daily News,
29 Mar. 2026
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This investment would be best paired with incentives to companies to offer greater part-time and flexible work options.—
Abby McCloskey,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Paddack noted how Sandy Alcantara came to him in the dugout and gave him words of encouragement.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
-
The Giants never led in the series, so Vitello didn’t get to deploy his bullpen in a late-game situation with a lead to protect, but the early returns from the relievers are reason for encouragement.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The reason for that association could simply be that the people eating these low-variety diets have more self-discipline or motivation to lose weight, per the researchers.—
Korin Miller,
SELF,
27 Mar. 2026
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Baker argued that the DA’s office and Rosen’s campaign are legally separate, denied any political motivation in the prosecution, and noted that campaign donation records are public — adding that the office had already turned over emails between a senior prosecutor and the campaign manager.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But there are a number of reasons to file tax returns even when they’re not strictly required, including claiming tax credits, getting back income tax withheld from paychecks or retirement accounts, and getting access to any future government stimulus payments that might be offered.—
Liz Weston,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Unlike conventional systems that are often heavy and mechanically complex, this lightweight material responds to external stimuli such as heat.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentum. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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