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as in influential
having power over the minds or behavior of others one of the weightiest figures in the field of pediatric medicine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective weighty differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weighty are cumbersome, cumbrous, heavy, and ponderous. While all these words mean "having great weight," weighty suggests having actual and not just relative weight.

a load of weighty boxes

How are the words cumbrous and cumbersome related as synonyms of weighty?

Both cumbrous and cumbersome imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating.

wrestled with the cumbrous furniture
early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient

When can heavy be used instead of weighty?

In some situations, the words heavy and weighty are roughly equivalent. However, heavy implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class.

a heavy child for his age

When might ponderous be a better fit than weighty?

The synonyms ponderous and weighty are sometimes interchangeable, but ponderous implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia.

ponderous elephants in a circus parade

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 weighty The American intervention came as a surprise—one that did some damage to the Indian prime minister, who has projected himself not only as a fierce advocate for India’s strategic interests but also as a global statesman deliberating on weighty geopolitical questions, such as the war in Ukraine. Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025 The overall impression was one of an ensemble walking on eggshells: little spark, little levity, little variety, too much weighty reverence. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Mixed attendance, no bombshells leave GOP with an echo chamber Despite the weighty subject matter, the hearing was sparsely attended and lacked the star witnesses or headline-making moments typical of high-profile Judiciary hearings. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 18 June 2025 This is a pen that is both weighty and lighthearted – fitting for the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, whose life of bonhomie and good cheer was disrupted by adventure and dragons and ring wraiths and war. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • This surge in extreme heat drives up energy demand and poses serious health risks to vulnerable populations.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • But her feelings begin to shift after Steven gets into a serious car accident.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • Another important preventative measure athletes can take is preparing for life after sport.
    Brook Choulet, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Other regional universities — Illinois (UIUC), Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and Purdue — also do important fusion research.
    Kathleen Gallagher, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adjective
  • Even though no funding has been cut, Jackson condemned the administration, contending the effect of the pause is going to be massive and could result in North Carolina firing about 1,000 educators.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2025
  • Until now, the most massive back hole merger was GW190521, detected in 2020.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • The moment was filled with conflicting emotions, a mix of gratitude and solemn reflection.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • The eventual confirmation of his passing, delivered by solemn White House and medical officials, triggered an outpouring of condolences from across the political spectrum, even from those who had been his staunchest opponents.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • For decades since then, Argentinian artists like José Muñoz have been among the most important and influential cartoonists in the world.
    Alex Dueben July 21, Literary Hub, 21 July 2025
  • After all, such influential MAGA voices as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon had been insisting for years that Epstein's suicide was suspicious and his powerful associates hidden.
    USA Today, USA Today, 20 July 2025
Adjective
  • That announcement largely cleared the field of major potential challengers to Rogers.
    Paul Egan, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • In 1947: President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act 1947, a major piece of legislation that restructured many of the country’s military and intelligence institutions.
    AZCentral.com, AZCentral.com, 27 July 2025
Adjective
  • Recent heavy rains likely contributed to the dam failure.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • The outages came after monsoon storms moved across the state, bringing heavy rain, wind and flash flooding risk.
    Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • However, the slow collision of Ray’s two worlds unfolds with the stern casualness of two business acquaintances meeting for dinner.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 18 July 2025
  • Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.
    Jim Zumbo, Outdoor Life, 17 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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