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 With the Jets on the cusp of a game-tying and momentum-turning touchdown early in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Zach Sieler delivered the type of impactful play that has marked his eight-year Dolphins tenure. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 Special teams stunted momentum There were no bright spots Sunday. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 The Dream will try again to grab some momentum on the Valkyries' home court. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The two resulting black holes must also have enough energy and momentum to move apart instead of falling back together. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for momentum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for momentum
  1. impetus
  2. incentive
  3. encouragement
  4. motivation
  5. stimulus
Noun
  • The original impetus for the film, to be honest, was to look at an incredible life story over a long German period.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Another impetus for the merger plans might be the sales struggles Tesla has been experiencing and the vast technological challenges from robotaxi competitors such as Waymo.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of impetus
Noun
  • The departures concentrated in September 2025, when the administration's incentive programs for resignation and early retirement took effect.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Congress should pass legislation that ensures predictable payments that reflect fair market rates and removes incentives to exploit arbitration while preserving strong protections against surprise bills.
    — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of incentive
Noun
  • But Smith also had encouragement for Hurts, whom Lynn and the Eagles said should be expected to make a full recovery with treatment from blood thinners that precludes contact activities for the next few months.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Kid Rock's support eventually extended beyond words of encouragement.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of encouragement
Noun
  • Saturday’s matchup also gives Liberty motivation to avenge last season’s loss.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Mid-month, an interesting and rare triple conjunction of Mars, Jupiter, and the South Node constellates in Leo, pumping you up with confidence and motivation to go all the way for the gold.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of motivation
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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Momentum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/momentum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on momentum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about momentum

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