momentous

[moh-men-tuhs]

adjective

1. of great or far-reaching importance or consequence.

   a momentous day.

   Synonyms: serious, crucial, critical, vital
   Antonyms: trifling, trivial

momentous

/ məʊˈmɛntəs /

adjective

1. of great significance

Other Word Forms

• momentousness noun
• momentously adverb
• unmomentous adjective
• unmomentously adverb
• unmomentousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of momentous¹

First recorded in 1645–55; moment + -ous

Synonym Study

See heavy.

Example Sentences

As a professor of law, I think Comey’s indictment is momentous because it tests a principle that has protected American democracy for 50 years: Presidents should not direct prosecutors to charge their political enemies.

Read more on Salon

It was a momentous decision, and the reason the trial garnered worldwide resonance.

Read more on BBC

Victim Support Scotland chief executive Kate Wallace said the passage of the bill was a "momentous occasion".

Read more on BBC

Martin and Orchard preview what should be a momentous game in Bristol, but they also turned to the bigger picture in Scottish rugby - and, in their eyes, it's far from healthy.

Read more on BBC

It was a momentous occasion for American music that got little attention in the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consequential 
• crucial 
• decisive 
• eventful 
• far-reaching 
• fateful 
• historic 
• meaningful 
• memorable 
• notable 
• pivotal 
• significant 
• weighty