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Definition of weightnext
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as in heaviness
the amount that something weighs because of a back condition, I'm not allowed to lift anything with a weight of over 10 pounds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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weight

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun weight differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weight are consequence, importance, moment, and significance. While all these words mean "a quality or aspect having great worth or significance," weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

When might consequence be a better fit than weight?

The synonyms consequence and weight are sometimes interchangeable, but consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

When is it sensible to use importance instead of weight?

In some situations, the words importance and weight are roughly equivalent. However, importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

Where would moment be a reasonable alternative to weight?

While in some cases nearly identical to weight, moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

When can significance be used instead of weight?

The words significance and weight can be used in similar contexts, but 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

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 weight
Noun
The bacteria had been shown to aid in weight loss in animal studies and one small human trial. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 May 2026 Olympic barbells have the same weight, diameter, and length, but other aspects can differ from brand to brand, such as the materials used. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
Verb
Sleep Foundation notes that weighted blankets can contain glass beads, plastic pellets, ball bearings or other materials, and the choice of filler directly affects how warm the blanket sleeps. Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026 Organizations whose profiles do not cleanly match should weight reversibility and blast radius most heavily. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for weight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weight
Noun
  • In a sector that has often confused growth with asset heaviness, that is a major strategic advantage.
    Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026
  • For anyone looking for support without the heaviness of traditional pieces, the brand stands out for that balance.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Palmer’s shot is well blocked by Marc Guehi — which underlines the importance of their decision-making in these moments.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • From 1949 to 1987, the Federal Communications Commission held radio and television stations to a standard requiring them to air opposing sides of public issues of importance, a policy known as the fairness doctrine.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • But despite assurances that the impact on businesses has been minimized, some groups still worried that the AI bill — despite its sections on workforce development and increasing AI knowledge — will ultimately create new burdens for businesses that could hamper innovation efforts.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
  • Yet the car was also a burden, with high monthly interest payments, which put savage masculinity at odds with paternal liability.
    Weike Wang, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • McCarthy’s emphasis on 11 personnel (three wide receivers) better fits Rodgers’s skill set and his preferences.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • What distinguishes Mannering’s approach is an emphasis on continuity and curation.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Attacks on our bodies and identities are happening now.
    Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 13 May 2026
  • James is just returning from yet another hamstring injury, and there have to be serious concerns over whether his body can handle the demands of a major tournament.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Bradley’s film choreography, even in the numbers that Footer deems masterpieces, is above average, clever and assured, but Astaire’s art—inconceivable without the enormous influence of Bradley’s Black contemporaries, like John Bubbles—is in another league.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
  • When Florida needs a federal program or federal funding for something, how will a state delegation with so little influence be able to convince the rest of the House Democrats?
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Poor sleep has been linked to heart disease, obesity, depression, and memory issues.
    Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 15 May 2026
  • Research from the Institute for Diabetes and Obesity at Helmholtz Munich in Germany, published in the journal Nature, tested an experimental obesity and diabetes drug called GLP-1-GIP-Lani.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Bubic walked second baseman Chase Meidroth, surrendered a single to third baseman Miguel Vargas and walked Murakami to load the bases with one out in the third inning.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2026
  • Leo Wilderman was walked intentionally to load the bases, bringing up Brown.
    John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weight. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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