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 What once appeared another step forward after a momentum-building two-game winning streak turned into all-too-familiar heartbreak for the Falcons (2-3). — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Despite the optimism and current momentum from supporters, plenty of things could still go sideways. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 Kansas forced a pair of turnovers to dramatically shift momentum. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 All of Knight’s momentum came to a screeching halt when Reigns put him onto the ropes, attacking the groin area. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum
  1. impetus
  2. incentive
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
  5. stimulus
Noun
  • So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • This process seems to have an inexorable direction and impetus.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • Companies have plenty of incentives to make that advertising palatable to consumers, but Ireland believes ads will play a role one way or another.
    — Allison Johnson, The Verge, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The city of Mission ultimately pulled the plug on its tax incentives and threw out the redevelopment agreement.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • Its restrictions cover suicide and self-harm promotion, eating disorder encouragement, body shaming, non-consensual intimate imagery, harassment, and animal cruelty.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The comments are all universally positive and supportive, with followers offering prayers and words of encouragement , including former athletes such as Troy Aikman, Kenny Lofton and Teemu Selane.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • In her ultra-popular cycling classes, Griffith offers an hour of relief and release, motivation and inspiration.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The signatures of these AI leaders might not reveal much about their intentions or their motivations.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • The Fed slashed its benchmark interest rate to near zero, but the economy still needed stimulus.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The leaders who are willing to pause between stimulus and response create sustainable change.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on momentum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about momentum

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