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

Those levies outweigh California’s median-level property tax rate, held down by Proposition 13, the landmark law that limited them in 1978. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

But the governor’s letter does not establish that these costs outweigh the educational resources Maryland families could gain. — Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026

For vote buying to work, the value of the benefits people receive has to outweigh the factors pushing them toward an opposing party. — Kenneth Greene, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2026

Does a team losing to weaker teams outweigh wins over bigger opponents and a tougher strength of schedule? — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 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