outweigh

verb

out·​weigh ˌau̇t-ˈwā 

outweighed; outweighing; outweighs

transitive verb

: to exceed in weight, value, or importance

the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

Synonyms of outweigh

• exceed
• overshadow
• overweigh
• mean
• overbalance

Examples of outweigh in a Sentence

She outweighs her sister by 10 pounds.

This issue outweighs all others in importance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some concerns emerged in the 2000s that the benefits of regular screening didn’t outweigh the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2026

This is not to suggest that the revenue from data centers will outweigh the potential negative impacts on the environment or civil infrastructure. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026

Neither prevented late defeats against the Knicks and Hawks, when defensive breakdowns and poor decision-making outweighed the team’s outside shooting. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

That ripple effect is one reason Mattingly argues that the economic costs of outbreaks can quickly outweigh the investment required to vaccinate people against measles. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 11 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for outweigh

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway

Kids Definition

outweigh

verb

out·​weigh -ˈwā 

: to be greater than in weight, value, or importance

the benefits outweigh the disadvantages