makeweight

noun

make·​weight ˈmāk-ˌwāt 

1

a

: something thrown into a scale to bring the weight to a desired value

b

: something of little independent value thrown in to fill a gap

2

: counterweight, counterpoise

Examples of makeweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Miralem Pjanic was a makeweight in that deal with Barca, which perhaps mitigates the fee somewhat and allows Felipe Melo to enter the conversation as a candidate for the worst Juventus transfer of all time. —Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

The suspension of pro-rel was a makeweight in a financial deal to assist them. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 29 May 2025

Now 27, he was linked with a move away to Newcastle during the Euros as a makeweight in a deal to bring Anthony Gordon to Anfield. —Elias Burke, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024

Isabella, a third-year player, could be an attractive makeweight for Jacksonville and their new quarterback as a deep threat. —Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 10 Aug. 2021

One of those players is Paulo Dybala, who nearly signed with Spurs on deadline day in August - could he be used as a makeweight if Juve's finances would allow it? —SI.com, 3 Oct. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for makeweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate