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 Justin also shared sweet moments with Jack via an Instagram carousel on Monday, Aug. 18. —Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025 There are no such moments in Sentimental Value (2025). —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025 This is because the U.S. electric system was engineered for moments of intense demand—the rare episodes of extreme heat or cold when the need for electricity peaks—not for delivering power to consumers in the cheapest and most efficient way. —Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025 Talarico has been subject of viral moments in the state Legislature. —Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 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
  • Passenger travel time between Paris, Europe’s second-largest metropolitan area, and Milan, Europe’s third-largest metropolitan area, will be reduced to 4½ hours from 6½-7½ hours.
    — Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Those well-versed in cinematic tropes will know that these two are bound to spend time together outside of the dental office.
    — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of time
Noun
  • In 1987, the FCC also abolished the fairness doctrine, which required broadcasters to provide differing viewpoints when covering issues of public importance.
    — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The Federal Aviation Administration asked airlines to evaluate their safety messages to passengers and emphasize the importance of leaving belongings behind in an evacuation.
    — Zach Wichter, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of importance
Noun
  • Some like to get to the airport very early, with time for a full picnic, while others are dashing in at the last minute while downing a protein bar.
    — Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
  • In April, Tien Kung Ultra became the first robot to finish a half-marathon, completing the 21-kilometer course in Beijing in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of minute
Noun
  • There seems to be a convergence in thinking on economic governance in America and China today, for example over industrial policy.
    — Vincent Ni, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Here's what traffic is looking like today on Kansas 10 highway between Kansas City and Lawrence.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2025
Definition of today
Noun
  • Lincecum and Kershaw faced each other four times in 2011, and on all four occasions, Kershaw walked away with the win.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Brooches often serve as a significant accessory for the royal’s wardrobe, sending subtle messages, honoring members of the British royal family or suiting the occasion or engagement the queen consort attends.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Definition of occasion
Noun
  • Though the Dublin area’s luxury market has typically peaked around $4 million, Knollwood’s scale, provenance, and cultural significance set it apart.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025
  • This venue holds particular significance, is where Serena captured six of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles there, while Venus won two of her seven major championships on those same courts.
    — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025
Definition of significance
Noun
  • Within seconds of inhaling the foul odor, the white dog springs back in disgust and hastily shuffles to the other side of the bed, as though trying to escape the smell altogether.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • An entire Python program, for example, can be produced in a few seconds or minutes, instead of handwriting code that might have taken hours, days, or weeks to devise.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of second
Noun
  • Just as these two teams are only separated by roughly six miles of road, only one point stands between them in the table at present.
    — Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The special will feature a mix of original and classic holiday songs as Rubble and his PAW Patrol pals try to stop Mayor Humdinger from snatching Santa’s presents.
    — Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 19 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 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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