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
And in doing so, everything gradually registers — the cadence of campus life, the pride pulsing through students and alumni, the weight of the institution’s history. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Instead of weight, try to help your child focus on how movement and eating fish and veggies gives them more energy and releases endorphins, which can improve mood and lower stress. Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
Recreational pilots don't have to register drones that weight 249g or less, so the DJI Mini 5 Pro and Neo 2 are still safe buys. Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026 It’s lightly weighted for extra coziness and comes in rich fall-ready hues like terracotta and chestnut to make your bedroom feel moodier. Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weight
Noun
  • The idea is that as an operator mimes picking up a pile of rocks, the arm would generate a force in response, as if the operator could feel the heaviness of the rocks, confirming that the excavator is indeed picking them up.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Plus, its lightweight texture layers seamlessly without adding heaviness—an especially important consideration for mature skin, where too much product can emphasize texture.
    Jenny Berg, InStyle, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Thanks to my friends’ beloved babies and the perks of my job—which have included putting together a list of essential children’s books—I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of reading with children.
    Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Fame was of prime importance to the ancient Greeks, and Wilson is the rare classical scholar who has firsthand knowledge of a public life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The common denominator is reducing the burden on the person who already has enough to carry.
    Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Young adults who already face high housing costs, student debt and an uncertain retirement system will carry the heaviest burden.
    Carolyn Bourdeaux, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The investment comes as militaries are placing greater emphasis on electronic warfare, airborne sensing and the ability to operate in environments where communications and radar systems may be contested.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That was an emphasis in the spring because IU’s first team under DeVries struggled on the glass, ranking 279th in defensive rebounding rate, and finished 14th in defensive efficiency in conference games in the Big Ten.
    CJ Moore, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The eight-member body oversees McCuskey’s work and consists of four Democratic and four Republican legislators, including Keicher.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than just a reproductive issue, endometriosis is a whole-body condition, affecting everything from emotional regulation to hormone production and gut health.
    Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • And this current El Niño is especially a wildcard given the simultaneous influence of global warming due to climate pollution, which could worsen some of El Niño’s impacts.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Told through Bearden’s own words and archives, the film reintroduces a towering yet underrecognized modernist, athlete, and activist whose influence still shapes contemporary culture.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Studies have shown that too much milk can lead to obesity and even cardiovascular disease and can have adverse effects on overall mortality.
    Fatma Tanis, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • In multiple trials involving adults with obesity and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, a GLP-1 substantially reduced the times breathing slowed or stopped during sleep.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The crude that Tehran is able to load on tankers probably doesn't make it past the blockade, Smith added.
    Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In the third inning, the Royals left the bases loaded as Jac Caglianone and Salvador Perez struck out in a clutch situation.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weight. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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