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as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others one of the weightiest figures in the field of pediatric medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weighty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weighty are cumbersome, cumbrous, heavy, and ponderous. While all these words mean "having great weight," weighty suggests having actual and not just relative weight.

a load of weighty boxes

How are the words cumbrous and cumbersome related as synonyms of weighty?

Both cumbrous and cumbersome imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating.

wrestled with the cumbrous furniture
early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient

When can heavy be used instead of weighty?

In some situations, the words heavy and weighty are roughly equivalent. However, heavy implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class.

a heavy child for his age

When might ponderous be a better fit than weighty?

The synonyms ponderous and weighty are sometimes interchangeable, but ponderous implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia.

ponderous elephants in a circus parade

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 weighty Wilkerson explores several weighty topics in this novel, including race, parental expectations, and grief, which provides plenty of discussion fodder for your book club. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025 Those on the weighty end, like the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop 1544A, typically have larger water tanks requiring less frequent refills while cleaning. Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025 In the weightiest investigations, the chief justice has chaired the commission. Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025 But the potency of these pictures is never matched by any lasting consequence or stakes, or even the wry humor that is necessary with such weighty material. Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • But legal experts said a criminal contempt finding would be a serious step to be avoided.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • The restaurant sector must get in the game in order to make a serious dent on improving customer health.
    Hank Cardello, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Three Key Lessons: Pareek’s Insights into Innovation Over the course of his career, Pareek has learned many important lessons.
    William Jones, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Big-ticket buying Washing machines are seen for sale at a home improvement store in Falls Church, Virginia, February 3, 2025, following the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump on important goods from Canada and Mexico.
    Sara Salinas, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In Season 1, Cassian was part of a massive prison break and an insurrection against Imperial forces in his home of Ferrix.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • This year, the Compton Cowboys are headed to Stagecoach, the massive country music festival in Indio.
    Jasmine Desiree, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • President Trump Makes His Entrance At Pope Francis' Funeral By Emma Marsden Freelance News Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 7 Pope Francis' funeral took place in a solemn ceremony at the Vatican on Saturday, drawing hundreds of thousands of mourners from around the world.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The solemn ceremony will draw world leaders from around the globe.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Anthony Milewski is the founder of The Oregon Group and an influential figure in the mining, metals and energy industries.
    Anthony Milewski, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Since founding The Potter’s House in 1996 with just 50 families, Bishop Jakes has grown it into one of the most influential churches in the country.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From there, hit other major points of interest including the Burwell School Historic Site, an important site in the struggle for women’s education in America, and the Alexander Dickson House, a significant Civil War-era home that now serves as the Hillsborough Visitor Center.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The series has achieved cult status among Indian cinema enthusiasts and remains the country’s only major female cop franchise.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Of course the roof provides protection from mid-day rays, but four heavy duty curtains add 360-degree coverage when needed, and can be tied up when not in use.
    Maggie Horton, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Everyone would keep the secret and move on with this heavy burden?
    Lynette Rice, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Raid 2, for instance, a two and a half hour crime and punishment epic, boils down to one man’s struggle to win the approval of his stern father; whether this is significant to Evans’ life or not, the motif nonetheless transitions cleanly into Havoc.
    Andy Crump, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has issued a stern warning about a predatory fish that can grow up to 3 feet long, slither across land and breathe air.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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