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

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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
Pennsylvania’s 7th District is a key battleground along with contests elsewhere in the state, reflecting significant political weight not just as a presidential swing state but as the pathway to a House majority. Mike Catalini, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026 By comparison, the Bayraktar TB2 has a 12-meter wingspan, a maximum take-off weight of 700 kilograms, an operational altitude of around 16,000 feet, a flight endurance exceeding 27 hours, and a payload capacity of 150 kilograms, according to Baykar. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 26 July 2026
Verb
Each metric was then weighted and combined to produce an overall score out of 10. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026 Of course, those choices are not made against a background of equal power, which is why the situation is morally weighted. Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 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
  • Pixie cuts work wonders on thick hair by removing length and heaviness from your strands, which lends so much more styling potential.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Most importantly, the bureau has been elevated in importance, and other ministries are now formally required to share their information.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • This month, a gay rights activist obtained the memo outlining the agreement from the Defense Department after filing a lawsuit, arguing that clarity was of public importance.
    Jamie Stengle, Fortune, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • More than 80% of those deaths are considered preventable — and the burden is not equally shared.
    Mara Evans, STAT, 27 July 2026
  • Technology can help identify opportunities earlier, support more consistent decision-making and reduce administrative burden.
    Arpan Saxena, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • Madison Social caters a variety of gatherings including weddings, baby showers, receptions, brunches and corporate events — with the emphasis on building community.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • Achane – and Jaylen Wright, for that matter – love the emphasis on the run.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Later on Friday, Infantino said the plan was to strengthen such bodies, not divide world soccer.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 1 Aug. 2026
  • If your body has been asking you in a few ways to slow down (like feeling a cough coming on, or a tiredness that won’t shake off), stop fighting against what your body or heart is trying to tell you.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Hip-hop artist Ron Ron was honored for his long career and influence on the city’s music scene, with fellow Kansas City artists participating in the presentation.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Trump has long been one of his most valuable campaign assets, and demonstrating continued influence in Washington matters for Netanyahu, who still hopes to host him in Israel for a pre-election visit.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • The mother of four struggled with obesity and had to take insulin pills and shots daily.
    Andrew Jones, NPR, 30 July 2026
  • Low levels of sleep have been linked to worse mental health outcomes and higher rates of conditions such as heart disease and obesity.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Both teams loaded the bases in the seventh but failed to score.
    CBS News, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • Antonio Lorenzo Covington, 32, was unable to explain the extra charges, despite being at the scene when the vehicle was loaded and towed, court documents report.
    Mark Price July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weight. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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