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
For beauty founders, launching your brand in retail stores carries symbolic weight. — Rhea Cartwright, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 That could reduce weight and simplify the electronics surrounding the RF chain. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
Concentration risk, then, should be evaluated by considering what a portfolio is ultimately exposed to, not just how it is weighted. — Artem Milinchuk, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Votes are weighted based on population, so Charlotte’s vote holds 41% of the power. — Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weight
Noun
  • Given the lefty-heaviness of the Yankees’ lineup, Stanton’s right-handed bat could factor in as a late-inning weapon.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • While a label like ‘woman’ has always felt stifling and strange, ‘daughter’ doesn’t carry that heaviness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • What readers are saying The comments on the article discuss the importance and challenges of effective listening, particularly reflective or active listening.
    — Maggie Penman, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The project helped bring attention to regenerative farming and the importance of maintaining a sustainable ecosystem where people and animals can thrive together.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Thinking about other options that can relieve some of the burden on you is also a loving act.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The administration has also fired federal workers, imposed a historic increase in tariffs, and started the war in Iran without going through Congress, putting the burden on the judicial branch to determine the limits of presidential power.
    — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The award also puts greater emphasis on the industrial capacity behind the weapon.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Does the emphasis in this summer’s shows on Lee’s painting suggest a new phase in the reception of his work—situating him, perhaps, in greater proximity to Korean dansaekhwa painting than to the School of Things?
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Tony Forte, president of USAngling, the sanctioning body, said the tournament will be a showcase to persuade the International Olympic Committee to include bass fishing at the Summer Olympics.
    — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • And there’s also all these preconceived notions about you that are out there that are associated with [you] because your body is your art, right?
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This process can be even more pronounced in smaller galaxies in which the gravitational influence is weaker, and the black holes are less likely to be strongly bound to the galactic center.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • House Beautiful identifies craftsmanship, nostalgia and personalization as influences shaping furniture in 2026.
    — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Four in 10 American kids will become adults hampered by obesity, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, or other conditions that can limit their opportunities and shorten their lives.
    — Stanley McChrystal, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The trial, called TRIUMPH-2, took place over the course of 80 weeks and included 1,152 people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Most of the half-hour was spent just waiting for scientific databases to load.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The company also said owners can teach the robot to load a dishwasher and clear a cat litter box.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weight. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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