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 Inside, one side of the suitcase features a zipped compartment—useful for keeping toiletries and smaller items contained safely—while the other has a robust compression system with a notably sturdy strap and weighty steel buckle. Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026 Springsteen pays tribute to 'maestro' Prince But the weighty undertones of the show were well-balanced with comparatively lighthearted selections that provided an escape from the intensity. Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026 Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler could enter the conversation when some weighty clubs contemplate a change in the dugout this summer. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 But this time Etheridge had weighty things to write about. Gary Graff, Billboard, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • Half a century later, the nation’s environmental problems are a lot less visible, but not, for that reason, any less serious.
    Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Even in healthy children, measles can cause serious illness and death.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Later, Mercury in Aries aligns with Chiron, opening the door for honest conversations that can repair something important.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • Sleep stages differ in important ways, Monika Schönauer, a sleep researcher at the University of Freiburg, who wasn’t involved in the study, told me.
    Shayla Love, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • The company, which operates AMC, Shudder and BBC America, among other outlets,has no massive deal ready to unveil that will put it in cahoots with the NFL or Major League Baseball.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Apr. 2026
  • In the aftermath of 9/11, the country also experienced a massive surge in Islamophobia, with FBI data indicating anti-Muslim hate crimes skyrocketed by 1,600% in 2001.
    USA Today, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by the most recent decade of killings of unarmed Black men by police, the seven prints selected from Henry’s series draw upon the sculptural pathos and solemn formalities of Michelangelo’s Pietà di San Pietro.
    Horace D. Ballard, Artforum, 22 Apr. 2026
  • While it’s meant to be a solemn moment, was that uncomfortable for you as a comedian?
    Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Over the past five weeks, Rubio, Sessions and influential GOP lobbyist Brian Ballard testified at the foreign-agent trial.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The movie took in $248M global and became one of the most successful and influential horror movies ever.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jayson Tatum also suffered an apparent calf injury, which is a major concern for a player just under a year removed from an Achilles injury.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • In dozens of markets, including San Diego and Sacramento, Nexstar would own multiple major TV network affiliates.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Without him, Heiskanen and Harley had to log even heavier minutes in an already long and grueling game.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Drivers on San Francisco's west side faced heavy congestion this weekend as crews began a series of lane closures along busy 19th Avenue, also known as State Route 1.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • An Ada County judge let a Boise woman who stole jewelry from hospice patients off without prison time — but not without a stern warning and alternative punishment.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 28 Apr. 2026
  • When addressing Chasing Horse, Peterson took on a stern tone and admonished the actor and his attorney, Craig Mueller, for denying the charges and downplaying evidence of assault.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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