momentous
Americanadjective
adjective
Synonym Usage
See heavy.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of momentous
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.
Vocabulary lists containing momentous
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 3
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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100 SAT Words Beginning with "M"
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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.
The stock market has lost a lot of its momentum, but fund investors are still having a relatively momentous year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026
As she approached the momentous milestone, Saar appeared more interested in creating new art than in dissecting her legacy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
This raises a momentous question: If diagnosed with a terminal illness, how can you weigh the decision in a calm, unhurried, fully informed manner?
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026
Andy Tobias, whose father Lieutenant Colonel John Tobias MBE, said it was a "hugely momentous day"
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
We looked at each other in disbelief and glanced over at the warders, who seemed unaware that anything momentous had occurred.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
