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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 Oud Zarian opens with a bright, sparkling lift of bergamot and ginger that sets an unexpectedly fresh stage for such a weighty central ingredient. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025 The twentysomethings are now in their thirties and this first feature has a weightier tone tackling issues of parenthood, economic survival and migration, albeit with love and laughter. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2025 That weighty grief followed him and Birrittier through Liam’s funeral, court hearings and press conferences. Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025 The hilts are mostly metallic, giving them that weighty and real feel, while the blade is mostly plastic with LED lights. Alexander Cox, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • Thankfully, the most recent accident was less serious, and Sabrina and their unborn child were ultimately okay.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Between them, Sinner and Alcaraz have dispatched their only serious rival in three straight majors, largely making every other match at these tournaments feel almost immaterial.
    Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • And that became a very important part of the character.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Environmental Protection Agency oversaw a massive cleanup effort, for one.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In March, a massive, violent earthquake shook Myanmar.
    Lauren Liebhaber September 5, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Cape Town overflows with history and culture, from the colorful houses and Cape Malay heritage of Bo-Kaap to the solemn shores of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Perhaps that should be a solemn oath for all AI makers.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The VMAs have long recognized the work of standout talent whose artistry has made an influential cultural impact over the past year, shifting the global cultural narrative while shaping the landscape of the music industry.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That gives Bruni Tedeschi, Marcello and his co-writers Letizia Russo and Guido Silei a lot of freedom to mold this influential giant of the 19th century stage during a transitional period toward the end of her life.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The closest major airport is Toronto Pearson International, with direct flights from New York, Chicago, Boston, and beyond.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Ketamine therapy’s most common short-term side effects are dizziness and nausea, but in extreme cases, long-term, heavy use of ketamine is associated with memory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and urinary tract infections, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • When heavy rain occurs, there is a potential for flooding, particularly in areas that are low-lying or prone to floods.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • From stern to bow, the boat was a lesson in restrained elegance, with plenty of teak wood and muted, calming shades.
    Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
  • But after nabbing the part of the stern hotel manager Valentina in the second season of The White Lotus (2022), Impacciatore was launched into Hollywood fame.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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