MOMENTUM Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

momentum

noun

mō-ˈmen-təm

Definition of momentum

as in impetus

something that arouses action or activity the former president's endorsement was all the momentum the campaign needed

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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 Student protests gained momentum during Paris Fashion Week, without significantly disrupting the event. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2026 Keller’s defense then paved the way for a momentum shift, and the Indians took the lead with a 32-yard TD reception from wide receiver Graham Kaler. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026 Auburn was stuffed and had to punt the ball away for a third consecutive drive, giving Georgia the ball at its own 39 with over a minute to go and all the momentum. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026 The Cardinals are gaining some momentum heading into the second half of the season. — ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentum

Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum

Noun

The impetus for Whalefall came from a viral video in which a kayaker ended up in the mouth of a whale.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
So, if your travels find you in Milan before 2027 kicks off, consider this your impetus to go ahead and book that room.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of impetus

Noun

Strong demand for oil, particularly from Asia, continues to provide an incentive for tanker operators to transport energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, even as security threats complicate voyages.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
But Sawie emphasized that this work is just part of the solution, noting that real progress can’t be made until farmers have access to reliable markets and incentives that recognize the work put into transitioning to organic practices.

— Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of incentive

Noun

Jonah himself is remaining positive while keeping his spirits up thanks to the love, support and encouragement of his family, friends and all those doctors and nurses who care so much for him.

— Patrick Snell, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
After encouragement from the coaches, Koerber improved his personal best by three minutes at his next race, Brown said.

— Donald Fountain, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of encouragement

Noun

China’s economy grew faster than expected in the third quarter thanks to the country’s powerful export machine, with domestic consumption still lagging and the authorities showing little interest in fiscal stimulus.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Visual stimuli produced more activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of stimulus

Browse Nearby Words

moments of truth

momentum

momes

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“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentum. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of momentum

noun

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