moment

noun

ˈmō-mənt How to pronounce moment (audio)
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
as in importance
the quality or state of being important an event of great moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in minute
a very small space of time I'll be there in just a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 is a moment of testing for the president's advisers. —ABC News, 6 Apr. 2025 The brother and sister share an elevator, beers, coffee, food, goofy moments, and lots of smiles and laughter. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025 This will be a match full of ‘old-man strength’, where veterans will have to pick and choose their moments. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 Saturday Night Live took a moment out from the comedy to pay tribute to former host Val Kilmer. —Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment
  1. time
  2. importance
  3. minute
  4. today
  5. occasion
  6. significance
  7. second
  8. present
Noun
  • Coachella announced the times via social media posts; see the full lineups for both weekends on the festival’s Instagram post, below.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 6 Apr. 2025
  • The total this time might be towards the higher end of that historic variance, with so many teams still involved in the race.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of time
Noun
  • The future is incredibly inspiring as the brand continues to create awareness around the importance of fitness, movement and wellness.
    — Amy Shoenthal, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The past five days, coach Jamahl Mosley and the Magic stressed the importance of Tuesday’s matchup with the Hawks.
    — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of importance
Noun
  • The scientists observed the sharktopus — the unofficial nickname for the peculiar duo — for 10 minutes.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • The participants then chewed each type of gum for four minutes—and some for an extra 20 minutes—while researchers collected saliva samples at various points.
    — Julia Ries, Health, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of minute
Noun
  • Muhammad announced in the press conference today that this would be her last season competing professionally.
    — Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In a two-episode arc starting next week, the 118 firehouse will grapple with a virus that turns into a contagion event — as revealed in the promo (below) that aired after Thursday's episode of the ABC drama (which was just today renewed for season 9).
    — Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of today
Noun
  • For the occasion, Joanna wore a $798 strapless floral Mac Duggal gown complete with a vibrant pattern and voluminous fit-and-flare silhouette that made the classic print feel totally fresh.
    — Averi Baudler, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Different occasions call for different food, of course.
    — Andy Wang, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of occasion
Noun
  • The significance of that difference lies in the potential interest savings to the government.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • What To Know Sporting a yellow cheese-head hat, Musk, an adviser to President Donald Trump, took the stage and emphasized the significance of the race.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of significance
Noun
  • The ball fell to the court in no-man’s land and the final seconds ran off the clock.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
  • But Houston swarmed back with a furious rally, erasing a nine-point deficit over the final 135 seconds for a thrilling victory.
    — Matt Rybaltowski, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of second
Noun
  • In a holiday twist, the ring box ended up being in one of Mellencamp's Christmas presents from Arroyave.
    — Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • At present, the current tires last longer, meaning cars lose grip at a much later stage.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of present

Phrases Containing moment

Browse Nearby Words

mome
moment
momenta
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Cite this Entry

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on moment

Nglish: Translation of moment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about moment

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