MOMENT Synonyms: 126 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

moment

noun

ˈmō-mənt

Definition of moment

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

as in importance

the quality or state of being important an event of great moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in minute

a very small space of time I'll be there in just a moment

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 His music, a blend of charismatic and electrifying punk and post-punk, provided the hard-rocking moment of the entire three-and-a-half-hour evening. — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 The settlement was quickly compared to the tobacco lawsuits of the nineties, a moment of public clarity during which a ubiquitous product came to be seen as a scourge. — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026 Self-compassion involves having kindness of yourself, recognizing common humanity, reducing self-judgement and practicing mindfulness (a focus on living in the present moment). — Jennifer Donnelly, Scientific American, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for moment

Recent Examples of Synonyms for moment

Noun

Crump also made a Facebook post about the Blytheville incident on Saturday, which had been shared more than 4,000 times as of Sunday afternoon.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026
For example, expressing appreciation for past help or thanking the doctor for their time was more helpful than emphasizing sadness or frustration.

— Paul Hsieh, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of time

Noun

Thanks to my friends’ beloved babies and the perks of my job—which have included putting together a list of essential children’s books—I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of reading with children.

— Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Fame was of prime importance to the ancient Greeks, and Wilson is the rare classical scholar who has firsthand knowledge of a public life.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of importance

Noun

The idea that these two would have a five-minute-or-less breakup conversation, then plop down on the couch and happily embark on an acid trip together, strains credulity a little, even for this bizarre, codependent friend group.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Finally, after about four minutes of confusion, Marine One and the tower make contact.

— Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of minute

Noun

Gemini May 21 – June 20 A conversation close to home may only need simple words today.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Tatcha’s top three stock keeping units today include its $74 Dewy Skin Cream, one jar of which is sold every 30 seconds, as well as the lightweight Water Cream and Rice Wash face wash, priced at $74 and $40, respectively.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of today

Noun

The first prince of Norwegian descent born in 567 years, his birth held special significance for the young Norwegian monarchy.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
Two days later, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin canceled them, saying a decision of such significance should rest with him.

— Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of significance

Noun

For the first time ever, Miami-Dade County Public Schools will let students stay home for Eid, a festive day in which friends and family gather to enjoy meals together and exchange presents after a month of fasting from sun up to sun down.

— Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Christina Lauren fans have an early Christmas present to anticipate.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of present

Browse Nearby Words

mome

moment

momenta

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Style

“Moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/moment. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of moment

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Synonyms of moment

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing moment

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on moment

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

recalcitrant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

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Games & Quizzes