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Synonyms

momentous

American  
[moh-men-tuhs] / moʊˈmɛn təs /

adjective

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

    a momentous day.

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

momentous British  
/ məʊˈmɛntəs /

adjective

  1. of great significance

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See heavy.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of momentous

First recorded in 1645–55; moment + -ous

Explanation

Momentous describes an important event or moment in time. It is used for a time of great consequence or for a major accomplishment, and is almost always reserved for good things. When a moment is so great you know you'll never forget it, you have just experienced something momentous. It can be personal — perhaps the day you were named prom queen; or something historic — like the day Elizabeth was named Queen of England. Momentous and momentary share the root word moment but momentary describes just one fleeting moment in time. A momentary occurrence can certainly be momentous, but it's not always the case.

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Vocabulary lists containing momentous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Probiotics maker Pendulum Therapeutics paid her $27,000 to sponsor her newsletter, and supplement company Momentous paid her nearly $40,000.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 30, 2025

In June 2022, it debuted its Momentous multimedia and fireworks show, which is staged at its castle on most nights.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 20, 2023

Momentous things happened in the “And Just Like That …” Season 2 finale: Carrie took off her bra.

From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2023

Momentous days also become known largely in hindsight.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2022

Momentous silence followed this announcement, while the habitues of the Thieves’ Tavern glanced into each others’ faces in consternation.

From Dangerous Ground or, The Rival Detectives by Lynch, Lawrence L.

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