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 The precious moment a boy with cerebral palsy managed to blow out his own birthday candle has gone viral online. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 May 2025 This statement reveals a vision that goes far beyond the present moment, a vision rooted in legacy, purpose, and unwavering dedication. —Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 While the Heat, seeking a reset of their own after trading Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors, are left to contemplate all of the what-ifs of Monday night’s lottery moment. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025 Once that threshold is crossed, medical professionals will face an existential moment. —Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 12 May 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
  • Reubens found much of his early inspiration in drag During his time at the California Institute of the Arts, Reubens began exploring alternative forms of creativity.
    — Lizzie Hyman, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • Curlew and Koala spent almost three months off Florida's west coast, swimming north and south from near St. Petersburg to beaches along the western Panhandle a couple of times.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Definition of time
Noun
  • Nevertheless, the intersection of these two fields is growing in importance and deserves serious attention from business leaders, engineers and investors.
    — Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
  • Given the importance of timely loc upkeep, clients may feel pressured to accept whatever slot is offered, even at unusual hours.
    — Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
Definition of importance
Noun
  • The song runs on for more than six minutes on the album, including a perfectly gnarly guitar solo from Freeman himself.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2025
  • Trolley lines where trains are now scheduled to arrive every 15 minutes could be scaled back to 30-minute headways.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Definition of minute
Noun
  • Millennials, now the largest generation in the U.S., are a force in today’s art market, rebooting the rules of collecting.
    — Suzanne Wright, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Is defense impossible to play today’s spread-out NBA?
    — Sam Amick, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Definition of today
Noun
  • Gonzalez had the girl skip school on two occasions, taking her to the beach and a park, according to the report.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
  • Amazon has hundreds of lightweight floral dresses for any occasion, including mini dresses, midis, maxis, off-the-shoulder, pencil, ruched, swing dresses — the list goes on.
    — Shalwah Evans, People.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of occasion
Noun
  • Against that backdrop, Monday’s meeting has taken on a heightened significance.
    — Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • As the president of World-Voices Organization, Washington also emphasizes the significance of community, especially at a time when many voice actors and creatives feel isolated or vulnerable.
    — William Jones, USA Today, 17 May 2025
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Baldwin never ended up spending a second in prison, nor even a full week before a jury in his own case last summer.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 25 May 2025
  • However, after a few seconds, Nora realizes who Ellie really is.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Definition of second
Noun
  • The girls club together to give her a toy train as a farewell present.
    — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Summer has plenty of occasions just right for a thoughtful present.
    — Vulture Staff, Vulture, 23 May 2025
Definition of present

Phrases Containing moment

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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 2 Jun. 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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