Definition of weightnext
1
as in heaviness
the amount that something weighs because of a back condition, I'm not allowed to lift anything with a weight of over 10 pounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
4
5
6
7

weight

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun weight differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weight are consequence, importance, moment, and significance. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

When might consequence be a better fit than weight?

The synonyms consequence and weight are sometimes interchangeable, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When is it sensible to use importance instead of weight?

In some situations, the words importance and weight are roughly equivalent. However, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

Where would moment be a reasonable alternative to weight?

While in some cases nearly identical to weight, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

When can significance be used instead of weight?

The words significance and weight can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 weight
Noun
Cyclosporiasis has been sickening thousands of people across the country, particularly in Michigan, recently with an intestinal illness causing explosive diarrhea with severe stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, fatigue, and unintended weight loss. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 18 July 2026 Recent cases crumble under weight of scrutiny Hurtado-Cariaco’s story appears to be emblematic of a broader pattern – where government accounts of encounters with immigration agents crumble under the weight of later scrutiny. Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Verb
The organizers weight the line up with hungry bands rather than the Zimmer frame brigade that headline too many festivals. Matt Thompson, SPIN, 14 July 2026 Once the data was collected and evaluated, it was consolidated and weighted within a scoring model. Time Staff, Time, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for weight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weight
Noun
  • There is a heaviness and sorrow to that wise, ingenious goddess that obscured the character’s power and playfulness—a choice made by Nolan, no doubt to emphasize his dark themes.
    Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • The baroque pearl necklace is perfect for summer because the heaviness of the gemstone contrasts beautifully with light dresses and boho tops.
    Selene Oliva, Glamour, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • The outgoing president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, Weijia Jiang, introduced Trump after discussing the importance of press freedom.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The sixth chapter emphasizes the importance of Torah study, and it was added later, likely by about the 9th century.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • Housing costs in Broward County continue to rise, and property taxes have become an increasing burden for families, retirees, and first-time homeowners alike.
    Eric "Doc" Stelnicki, Sun Sentinel, 20 July 2026
  • These agents may not be the right eventual solution for you, but engaging with a few such vendors can give your team experience with the agentic lifecycle without incurring all the costs and burdens up front.
    Nisha Talagala, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Noun
  • His emphasis on the WNBA’s bottom line has become more apparent over the course of her tenure.
    Annie Costabile, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Guidara's emphasis on creating memorable moments reinforced that relationships are built through consistent, thoughtful actions.
    Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • Another photo showed blue plastic fragments embedded in a knee, which prosecutors maintain are from an inflatable pool d4vd allegedly used while dismembering the body.
    Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The statute defines clothing as articles of wearing apparel worn on the human body.
    Zuri Primos July 25, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Noun
  • The city and nearby Miami Beach are both known for its airy and colorful Mediterranean Revival styles, Caribbean influence and tropical take on Art Deco, but skyscrapers do not have a long history within the city.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Public investors receive a minority interest with limited influence and no certainty about when the controlling owner will eventually sell.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Alana Jaffery, her lawsuit said, got cleared for surgery by her doctor despite obesity, prediabetes, iron deficiency anemia and high blood pressure.
    David J. Neal July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • Thompson and others have argued that SNAP-Ed failed to improve nutrition and reduce obesity rates among participants.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • After striking out with the bases loaded in the first inning, Collins delivered in one of the biggest moments.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • Jarren Duran’s two-run single with the bases loaded was followed by back-to-back bunt singles from Carlos Narváez and Tsung-Che Cheng, plating two more runs.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weight. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on weight

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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