Definition of momentnext
1
as in time
a particular point at which an event takes place at that moment he suddenly turned around and headed toward me

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
3
4
as in today
the time currently existing or in progress I'm not doing anything at the moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun moment differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of moment are consequence, importance, significance, and weight. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

Where would consequence be a reasonable alternative to moment?

The words consequence and moment can be used in similar contexts, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When is importance a more appropriate choice than moment?

The synonyms importance and moment are sometimes interchangeable, but importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

When can significance be used instead of moment?

While in some cases nearly identical to moment, 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

When could weight be used to replace moment?

While the synonyms weight and moment are close in meaning, weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

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 moment This isn’t a new era of Swedish exceptionalism, nor a fleeting moment in the sun (despite the dark Nordic winter around the corner). — Jan Larsson, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026 Using a fable-like tone, the film provides a fresh perspective on the G8 violence that became a watershed moment in the anti-globalization movement. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Shroff also said the debate produced no major gaffes or race-changing moments in a contest that has already attracted substantial national attention and spending. — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026 Reflecting on what her late husband might have thought about Luu's investing pursuits, Nguyen paused for a moment, holding a slight smile. — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment
Noun
  • Vietnamese films grossed more than VND3 trillion ($114 million) at home in 2025, outperforming international titles in the local market for the first time.
    — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
  • This time, France's large pension outlays and its need to rein in public spending leave little room for maneuver.
    — Makini Brice, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The project highlights the growing importance of the defence industrial base in determining how quickly military modernization programmes can deliver results.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Qatar has been building an international energy portfolio for more than a decade, and those assets are taking on more importance as the country’s exports have dwindled during the Iran war.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Westport proper is a 10-or-so-minute drive away for shopping and strolling.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Both in jeans and black blazers, Ellison and Kreiz fielded questions from the national press for nearly 30 minutes on the lot’s Stage 3.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For research conducted today in both academic organizations and for-profit companies, ownership of intellectual property is generally held by these organizations rather than the human discoverers now named in patents.
    — Jeffrey S. Flier, STAT, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Temperatures have reached dangerous levels across Japan and 40 degrees Celsius was reported today for the first time this year.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The idea covers premium products and occasions centered on an individual rather than a group.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Guests including Keri Russell, Jane Krakowski, James Austin Johnson, Maya Boyd, Malia Pyles, Myra Molloy, Amalia Yoo and more were each outfitted in various tartans, pleats and the like for the occasion.
    — Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The scene’s relatively minor significance reflects a fourth season that comes into its own in a similarly minor key.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2026
  • China recognized the strategic significance of these resources early and has spent decades building a near monopoly over the critical mineral industry in many parts of Africa.
    — Jared Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Minnesota went up 1-0 53 seconds into the game on a Matt Boldy snap shot from the point.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • All of that helps the system decide what deserves another few seconds of your attention.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Jack leaves to deliver presents while Sally tries to rescue Santa on her own, becoming Oogie’s prisoner herself.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Remember, the holidays are approaching, and a scented candle makes a lovely present for just about any discerning coworker, the cousin who’s just moved, or your votive-loving mother-in-law.
    — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on moment

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster