Synonyms for

Heavy

Verb / ˈhevi: / Another word for heavy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

having great weight, difficult to lift or move

Synonyms & similar words

operose hard sullen overweight expectant light leaden wakeless grave gruelling laborious ponderous threatening grievous withchild grueling backbreaking toilsome lumbering clayey large weigheddown enceinte heavily great weighty burdensome ponderous massive bulky cumbersome clumsy awkward lumbering unwieldy dense thick stout strong powerful solid hard firm substantial significant

Synonyms by register

Formal

weighty burdensome onerous significant

Informal

chunky beefy hefty massive

Literary

ponderous laborious momentous

Antonyms

light slight gentle airy minor unimportant

Common collocations

  • heavy rain
  • heavy traffic
  • heavy load
  • heavy sigh
  • heavy metal
  • heavy duty
  • heavy heart

Word family

noun heaviness
adjective heavy
adverb heavily

Usage note

Can refer to physical weight, intensity (e.g., heavy rain), or emotional burden (e.g., heavy heart). Avoid using 'heavy' for abstract concepts where 'significant' or 'important' might be more precise.

Example sentences

  1. The rock was too heavy for the little boy to pick up.
  2. The backpack felt heavy on my shoulders.
  3. The elephant is a very heavy animal.
  4. The barbell was too heavy for me to lift.
  5. The snow was heavy and difficult to shovel.

Quotes

  • I'm a little bit heavy, but I'm strong.
  • Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.
  • Life is too heavy to carry alone.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words