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
Bowyer acknowledged that Turning Point Action's growing infrastructure in early primary states could cause some agitation on the right if it is seen as throwing its weight behind one presidential candidate. ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Last month, Vance hurled himself into an obscure debate over burrito prices to make a gratuitous swipe at a conservative Washington Post columnist’s weight. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
Indicative review files for the frontier series begin publishing on September 2, which is the point at which weights replace estimates. Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Midway through the count, the votes are heavily weighted toward Susan and Rhonda. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weight
Noun
  • The Dessens of every dimension — and all the other major characters, for that matter — are not the most colorful bunch, and the sober tone of the early episodes, such as the slate-gray Chicago winters, could have an unwelcome heaviness.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to chronic pain, heaviness and bruising, Su says patients can also experience swelling, decreased mobility and increasing difficulty with everyday activities as the disease progresses.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • With so many of the buildings downtown with any kind of historic architectural significance already under landmark protections, Berman has shifted his focus to preserving properties with some kind of social importance.
    David Freedlander, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Ayari’s importance to Hurzeler is undiminished so far this season.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Offloading that cognitive and physical burden to an intelligent system allows high-end cardiovascular interventions to scale far more easily to clinics and communities worldwide.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Whatever option Toronto chooses, the burden falls on Cease and Soriano to continue their strong play.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Historically, Nintendo has primarily marketed its games to children, with an emphasis on the family-friendly market.
    Angelica Frey, JSTOR Daily, 10 Sep. 2026
  • With an emphasis on eco-friendly production, such as plastic-free packaging and recyclable metals, Corston crafts hardware worth investing in.
    Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Again, while many dip to their left before throwing a hook to the body, the American stands tall and finds the angle with his long reach.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In 1968, patrolman Ed Pospisil of Fire Patrol 3 led the effort to locate the bodies of 12 FDNY firefighters killed in a raging East 23rd Street fire the year before.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Club sources, speaking anonymously to protect relationships, say his influence has grown in the aftermath of those departures.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Sandusky’s trial produced shocking testimony from other victims The shadow of Penn State’s influence in this borough in the center of the commonwealth continues to hang over the case.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Sleep apnea, chronic stress, obesity, thyroid disorders, and certain medications can produce nearly identical complaints.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The drug’s lack of efficacy cannot be blamed on patients, said Alexander Miras, an obesity expert at Ulster University, to The Guardian.
    Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Once lake levels are no longer safe for the largest ships to pass, the Panama Canal Authority, the agency in charge of the canal, begins to restrict their maximum draft, meaning how deep into the water the ships sink when loaded.
    Steven Paton, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The company detected the problem when the new hire’s workstation began loading malware.
    Michael Engle, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weight. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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