What Does "MOMENT" Mean? The Complete Moment Definition
The meaning of MOMENT is a very short period of time or an important point or occasion. That is the core MOMENT definition most English speakers know, and it is the answer to what does MOMENT mean in everyday use. In many contexts, a moment is a brief instant: “wait a moment,” or “for a moment.” It can also describe a significant time or event, as in “a defining moment.”
In older or more formal usage, moment can also mean importance or consequence, as in “a matter of great moment.” The word functions mainly as a noun, though related forms like “momentary” are adjectives. The MOMENT origin comes from Latin momentum, meaning “movement” or “impetus,” which later developed into the idea of a brief point in time. If you’re looking up MOMENT meaning in word games, both senses matter.
Moment Synonyms: Words Similar to MOMENT
Synonyms for MOMENT include several words that overlap with time, importance, or opportunity, depending on the context.
- instant — A very short span of time; this is the closest synonym when MOMENT means a tiny slice of time.
- second — Slightly more measurable than moment, but often used similarly in casual speech.
- jiffy — Informal and playful; it implies a very quick amount of time, not a formal MOMENT definition.
- occasion — Better when MOMENT means an event or special time, rather than a brief instant.
- opportunity — Fits the “important chance” sense, which is why MOMENT can feel tied to timing.
- point — Often used for a specific stage or turning point, especially in formal writing.
- window — Works when talking about a limited chance or opening in time, not just a brief instant.
How to Use "MOMENT" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few clear examples of MOMENT in a sentence.
- Wait a moment while I check the answer.
- The speech became a defining moment in her career.
- For one brief moment, the room was completely silent.
- That opportunity came at the right moment, so she acted fast.
These examples show how MOMENT used in English can mean time, significance, or opportunity.
MOMENT in NYT Connections #1106 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections #1106 on 2026-04-02, MOMENT appeared in the green, hardest category titled The other words in that group were and , so the puzzle was really testing whether players could spot a shared “chance” or “timing” meaning rather than the obvious time-based one. That is why the MOMENT NYT Connections answer could feel confusing if you only thought about “a brief instant.”