Momentum — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /mō-ˈmen-təm/ mo·men·tum

Meaning & Definition of Momentum

Momentum (noun)

  1. a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly, a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment
  2. strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events

Momentum (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that arouses action or activity

    "the former president's endorsement was all the momentum the campaign needed"

    similar: boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm
    related: inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark
    opposite: counterincentive, disincentive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Momentum

The most common words with a similar meaning to Momentum:

boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast, shot in the arm

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Momentum

Words with the opposite meaning of Momentum:

counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words for Momentum

inducement, invitation, antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason, catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

Word Forms of Momentum

Inflections: momenta, momentums

Origin & Etymology of Momentum

New Latin, from Latin, movement

First known use: 1610

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Momentum

Words & Phrases Containing Momentum

angular momentum, gather/gain momentum, lose momentum, gather momentum/strength, pick up speed/momentum

Frequently Asked Questions about Momentum

What does "Momentum" mean?

"Momentum" means a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly, a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment. As a noun, it is defined as: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly, a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment.

What is another word for "Momentum"?

Other words for "Momentum" include boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation and incitement. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Momentum" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Momentum"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Momentum". Common alternatives include boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, impulse, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation and motivation.

What is the opposite of "Momentum"?

Antonyms of "Momentum" include counterincentive and disincentive.

How do you use "Momentum" in a sentence?

Examples of "Momentum" in a sentence: "the former president's endorsement was all the momentum the campaign needed".

Is "Momentum" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Momentum" is a noun.

Is "Momentum" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Momentum" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Momentum"?

"Momentum" is pronounced /mō-ˈmen-təm/ and divided into syllables as mo·men·tum.