momentum

noun

mō-ˈmen-təm How to pronounce momentum (audio)
Definition of momentumnext
as in impetus
something that arouses action or activity the former president's endorsement was all the momentum the campaign needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 momentum At the same time, Venice remains one of the fall’s key launchpads for prestige movies, awards hopefuls and international titles looking to build momentum with distributors and buyers. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Either way, the momentum continues the following day when Mercury meets with Uranus retrograde in Gemini, offering a surge of intellectual clarity on the heels of that Neptunian fog. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 The momentum to introduce the bipartisan bill appears to be real, with work to craft it already underway. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026 While several factors have contributed to this, the heart of the momentum can be traced back to 2025’s Old Skool Souvenir. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum
  1. impetus
  2. incentive
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
  5. stimulus
Noun
  • But the original impetus concerned women not having to get their Manolo Blahniks stuck in the mud.
    — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Jets have no impetus to rush a trade — and Jets fans are well-versed in Cheveldayoff’s stubborn patience from Jacob Trouba’s 2016 contract holdout and trades involving Evander Kane, Trouba, Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • In July, California’s Public Utilities Commission approved new incentives of up to $20,300 for ride-hailing app drivers to buy or lease new zero-emission vehicles, and often now, ride hailers can choose to be picked up by an EV on the apps.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Lucrative contracts in the French league, lack of incentive to travel overseas and strict rules from the French Federation meant a local product grew but never went global.
    — Eden Laase, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • De Zerbi will take encouragement from Savio’s bright debut, with the £85million recruit from Manchester City looking bright and threatening, without executing on the final action.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The YouTube videos, Griffin said, were causing third-party contact because of Myers’ encouragement.
    — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Capitalism — and a strong profit motivation — has driven enterprise for centuries.
    — Space.com Staff, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Mahomes has had special motivation in coming back following surgery after suffering two torn ligaments in his left knee during a game.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of motivation
Noun
  • Shape-memory polymers can be programmed to return to a particular shape after exposure to a stimulus, often heat.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Surrounded by the healing landscape of the Sonoran Desert, the luxe getaway has welcomed travelers seeking to put aside digital overload and other overwhelming stimuli in order to reconnect with the best versions of themselves.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

moments of truth
momentum
momes
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Cite this Entry

“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentum. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on momentum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about momentum

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