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

• momentously adverb
• momentousness noun
• 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

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

From BBC

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From Los Angeles Times

So when Matías was held in a federal lockup in downtown Los Angeles, she faced a momentous choice — one that would mark her family for life.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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