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

Derived Forms

• moˈmentousness, noun
• moˈmentously, adverb

Other Words From

• mo·mentous·ly adverb
• mo·mentous·ness noun
• unmo·mentous adjective
• unmo·mentous·ly adverb
• unmo·mentous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of momentous¹

First recorded in 1645–55; moment + -ous

Synonym Study

See heavy.

Example Sentences

He has expended a huge amount of energy in this endeavour of finding common ground through 12 years during which there has been other momentous social change, and at times has shown himself to be an astute political operator.

From BBC

We women have been robbed of what could have been a momentous campaign and a historic victory.

From Salon

"It was like finding a needle in a haystack, and to rediscover this year was momentous," said James Penca, a Titanic researcher and presenter of the Witness Titanic podcast.

From BBC

Columnist Mark Z. Barabak joins candidates for various offices as they hit the campaign trail in this momentous election year.

From Los Angeles Times

Smalls is a decidedly charismatic rabble-rouser in the momentous year “Union” chronicles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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