1
as in massive
having great weight
this trunk full of books is much too heavy for one person to lift
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slow
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest
the study of history doesn't have to be all about dull heavy reading and the memorization of dates
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in greasy
containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar
avoid heavy desserts like cheesecake and pecan pie
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in hazy
covered over by clouds
heavy skies threatening rain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in harsh
difficult to endure
they paid a heavy price for their mistakes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in intensive
extreme in degree, power, or effect
heavy rains the company is forecasting heavy losses this year
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in serious
having a matter of importance as its topic
got into a heavy discussion about death and the afterlife
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
until we find our groove, it's going to be heavy sledding on this project
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in powerful
having great power or influence
she's not among the handful of heavy critics who can make or break a Broadway show
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in pregnant
containing unborn young within the body
the heifer was heavy with young and soon would be birthing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in brute
a mean, evil, or unprincipled person
he played the heavy in film after film until being cast against type as the romantic lead in a comedy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group
in the field of secondary education, she definitely ranks as one of the heavies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 heavy
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Tomato plants are heavy feeders, but too much nitrogen early in the season will promote big leafy plants with few fruits.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 June 2025
Drew MacKie, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
And if nothing else, there’s always the heavies to fall back on.
—Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy
Adjective
The system presents kind of a mixed bag for coastal residents, with a forecast for potentially heavy rain regardless of what happens.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 June 2025
Tomato plants are heavy feeders, but too much nitrogen early in the season will promote big leafy plants with few fruits.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 June 2025
Noun
On Twin Peaks, Strong plays Jones, the right-hand woman for one of the series’ heavies.
—Drew MacKie, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
And if nothing else, there’s always the heavies to fall back on.
—Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for heavy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for heavy
Adjective
-
Every hurricane season in Florida comes with uncertainty but there’s a surprising new source of questions this year surrounding the federal agency that responds to disasters and has historically helped pay for often massive cleanup and recovery costs.—
Alex Harris,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2025
-
Stanton was a massive piece of the Yankees' run to the World Series last season, and his return is expected to make the Yankees' lineup more dangerous.—
Hunter Mulholland,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Adjective
-
Despite the retirement of highly successful Atlas and Delta launch vehicles, the transition to Vulcan has been slow and continues to impact the completion of Space Force mission objectives.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
-
Here in Croatia, the pace of life is slower, especially in smaller towns.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
The Stars got their looks, yes, but a greasy goal from the blue paint never materialized.—
Pierre LeBrun,
New York Times,
27 May 2025
-
The formula glides on sheer and leaves skin looking luminous, not greasy, thanks to its vitamin C and E infusion, which also helps nourish and condition.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
26 May 2025
Adjective
-
Though famous for its hazy IPAs, Outer Range has stepped up its game in lagers, pilsners, stouts, saisons and Belgians.—
Shauna Farnell,
Denver Post,
27 May 2025
-
The potential July trade market for relievers is hazy.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Adjective
-
Of the treaty’s three American signers—John Adams, John Jay and Benjamin Franklin—Franklin was said to have taken the harshest line against the loyalists.—
Greg Daugherty,
Smithsonian Magazine,
4 June 2025
-
Netflix released the trailer for the reality TV show on YouTube on Wednesday, which starts with a voice-over of a cheerleader talking about how the DCC will always be in each other’s lives before explaining the harsh reality of trying out to be a Cowboys cheerleader with all the talent.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
University of Southern California LOS ANGELES Inspired by Walt Disney artist and Imagineer John C. Hench, USC’s intensive BFA and MFA programs teach animation from a maker’s point of view.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
6 June 2025
-
Russia used a Tu-160 in intensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said on Friday.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Nobody else can do what Isak does, but Newcastle lack serious backup at centre-forward.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
-
There were no serious injuries reported or arrests made among the crowd of about 500 teenagers.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
30 May 2025
-
These connections are difficult to make from within, but consultants are trained to see across boundaries.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heavy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/heavy. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share