momentum

noun

mō-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce momentum (audio)
Definition of momentumnext
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity the former president's endorsement was all the momentum the campaign needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 momentum Everything was happening simultaneously, writing the script, doing research, location scouting and that created a very interesting momentum. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 The brand also said apparel continued to build momentum, while accessories grew 29 percent in the quarter. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026 For Ooredoo, the move diversifies the group’s geographic footprint beyond its core Middle Eastern markets, while also deepening its exposure to Southeast Asia where AI adoption is showing stronger momentum than the global average. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 Demand has been reinforced by CoreWeave's latest earnings confirming that the AI infrastructure buildout is gaining momentum rather than slowing. — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum
  1. impetus
  2. incentive
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
  5. stimulus
Noun
  • The impetus for this work, according to the researchers, is that drug-resistant bacteria are rife and growing.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For many, discovering quaint antique shops is the impetus for hopping in the car and taking a leisurely drive.
    — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • There has been no confirmation from SpaceX or Louisiana officials … But earlier this year the Louisiana Legislature passed a package of incentives for aerospace companies, including liability protections and property tax breaks.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Marketers need to treat the student as the primary decision-maker, using tangible incentives, student-friendly pricing, and direct campus engagement to lower the risk of trying a new product and justify its value well past move-in day.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Officials are asking residents to continue to pray and send words of encouragement and support to those affected by the flooding.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Spacing of races will be important as encouragement for participation in the six-race series in a five-month span.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Essential California sat down with Ben Orbison, FOLAR’s director of strategic communications, and spoke about festival highlights and motivations.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Cross-functional access can then expand gradually, creating new opportunities while maintaining focus and motivation for growth.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • Instead, Beijing rolled out a roughly $586 billion stimulus—equivalent to around 12 percent of China’s GDP in 2008—funneled almost entirely into infrastructure and construction.
    — Michael B. G. Froman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The gloves must be applied directly to someone's skin to deliver a pain stimulus that typically helps an officer gain compliance within seconds, according to the company.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

moments of truth
momentum
momes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentum. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on momentum

Nglish: Translation of momentum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about momentum

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