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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 Mixed attendance, no bombshells leave GOP with an echo chamber Despite the weighty subject matter, the hearing was sparsely attended and lacked the star witnesses or headline-making moments typical of high-profile Judiciary hearings. Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 18 June 2025 This is a pen that is both weighty and lighthearted – fitting for the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, whose life of bonhomie and good cheer was disrupted by adventure and dragons and ring wraiths and war. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025 Lead with humor Talking about weighty topics can be overwhelming for dads who don’t share a lot. Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2025 Its aesthetic approach seldom lives up to its gestures toward camp as a guiding principle or its weighty themes (except, perhaps, in its surprisingly raucous final act). Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for weighty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weighty
Adjective
  • Over time, those sketches became more serious, taking the form of tattoo designs.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • The restaurant was temporarily closed by the city for multiple serious health violations, including a malfunctioning refrigerator and freezer, mold growth and food buildup on kitchen equipment.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Moist soil is important; however, areas where moisture accumulates during the winter are not suitable as this will make the tubers rot.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Yes, even more important than excellence in math and science.
    Linda McMahon, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Until now, the most massive back hole merger was GW190521, detected in 2020.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
  • After China fired ballistic missiles at American bases in Japan, the fighting exploded, with the U.S. launching massive strikes against the mainland and Japanese jets attacking Chinese ships.
    Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • Its fun-first identity is part of the draw in a market flooded with solemn storytelling and dusty barrels.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Moderator Whoopi Goldberg opened the show with a solemn acknowledgment of the disaster, urging viewers in affected areas to stay safe and tune in for information on how to help.
    Heather Hunter, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the platform nears its 15th anniversary, Instagram is launching a bold new campaign called ANYWAY—a global creative movement co-created with some of today’s most influential artists, including Tyler,The Creator, Rosalía, Fred Again.., Cole Bennett, Clint 419, Nadia Lee Cohen, and Slawn.
    Bryanna Symone, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • Keen, one of the most influential artists in Texas history, has a ranch outside Kerrville.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • With The Hartford being one of Main Street America’s major sponsors, the local organization could eligible for additional funding in the future, Fukala said.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Horn, when healthy, is a top-10 cornerback, and his length and size are major assets in Evero’s zone-heavy coverage scheme.
    Mike Kaye July 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
Adjective
  • In October, Mayor Eric Adams spearheaded a heavy police clampdown called Operation Restore Roosevelt, which consisted of more than 200 additional police officers that reduced crime by 29% in the area, Daughtry said.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
  • The greatest threat from the storms are damaging winds, hail, a brief tornado and heavy rainfall that could lead to flash floods.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • As the bow and stern sections tore free from one another, the ship’s contents were ejected and rained down across the ocean floor, dispersing everything from luggage and dinnerware to engine parts and personal belongings.
    Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 July 2025
  • Len, that character of a stern Englishman with a twinkle in his eye, felt like the core of what the show was.
    EW.com, EW.com, 5 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weighty. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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