Definition of weightynext
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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 shift from Season 2’s lighter energy to something weightier tracks with the narrative arc manga fans will recognize. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026 Marble and other weighty stone vessels have a certain inevitability about them. Jamie Thilman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 16 Mar. 2026 To see residents push back respectfully shows democracy at work — even though the town has far weightier issues to resolve. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026 From the sidewalk outside the new Parkside on Dresden development, stepping through Mirae’s wide, weighty door feels like passing into a bubble of refinement and taste. Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • The victim suffered serious injuries to her right ear, right cheek and face, including a laceration that was about 6 inches long, officials said.
    Katie Houlis, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The broad ban on advertising also raises serious constitutional concerns.
    Cláudia Nunes, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Another important note to make is that Lupaia is closed during the winter season for improvements to the rooms, garden, public area, and overall guest experience since the weather is too unpredictable to welcome guests during that time anyway.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Nonresidents have such an important role to play in the management of wildlife in Wyoming, and obviously nonresident [hunting and fishing] licenses cost a lot more than resident ones do.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For larger groups or families, the already massive two-bedroom penthouse can become a three-bedroom behemoth thanks to an optional adjoining suite.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • His Iran deal would have led to a colossal arsenal of massive nuclear weapons for Iran.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Good Friday, observed on Friday, April 3, marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is one of the most solemn days of the Christian calendar.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • It is celebrated with a ceremonious parade that features a cavalcade of men dressed in Roman soldier costumes, evoking a sense of solemn thanksgiving and spiritual devotion.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • As ideological blocs collapsed, political scientist Samuel Huntington’s influential 1996 book Clash of Civilizations articulated a growing anxiety that globalization would harden into cultural antagonism rather than consensus.
    Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Woods is the most influential figure in golf and has become as recognizable as any athlete in the world.
    R.J. Rico, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Following the price gouging session, two major refineries — Valero in the San Francisco Bay Area and Wilmington Phillips 66 in the Los Angeles area — have shut down, taking hundreds of jobs and nearly one-fifth of the state's gasoline production with them.
    Richard Ramos, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
  • On Day 1, the astronauts made it safely into Earth's orbit and the mission reached the end of its first major propulsion phase, NASA said.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Relieved of their blindfolds, the men now wore heavy rucksacks filled with colored rocks representing their anger (red), guilt and shame (black), and sadness (blue).
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Within eight minutes, the New Kensington fire department arrived and was met with heavy flames at the back of the house.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Some of the movie is an acid satire of pre-wedding rituals — like the first dance that Charlie and Emma are dutifully rehearsing for, with a ridiculously stern taskmaster of a coach.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Born in Michigan, Tolkan served in the Navy before studying at the Actors Studio, eventually becoming Hollywood’s go-to stern authority figure for decades.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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