weigh

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb weigh differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of weigh are consider, contemplate, and study. While all these words mean "to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision," weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

When might consider be a better fit than weigh?

The words consider and weigh can be used in similar contexts, but consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

When is contemplate a more appropriate choice than weigh?

Although the words contemplate and weigh have much in common, contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

When could study be used to replace weigh?

The words study and weigh are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of weigh Donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2025 California Mayor Karen Bass weighs deep cuts, including layoffs, as L.A.’s challenges mount April 20, 2025 Bass celebrated the speed of fire recovery efforts on Monday, saying that utilities were restored to Pacific Palisades far faster than after previous California fires. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025 If the conditions are just right, the gas cloud collapses into a gigantic, star-like structure that can weigh over 10,000 solar masses. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 21 Apr. 2025 Just like Texans and New Yorkers, biofilms weigh the trade-offs of horizonal versus vertical growth. Carrie Arnold, Quanta Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • Thirty-one percent of young men said the economy matters most to them at this time, but the largest share of Gen Z women, 22%, said threats to democracy were their top issue.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
    Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This means every resume review or coaching session reduces the amount of time available with the coaches.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Despite a sentence that will likely mean spending the rest of her life in prison, Melody remains determined to prove her innocence.
    Susan Mallie, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Media reports suggest Rubio skipped the talks over Ukraine's refusal to consider the U.S. proposal on Crimea.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • After the Jaguars took Trevor Lawrence, who has panned out to be a decent franchise quarterback but short of the generational luster experts promised, there are no QB picks that can be considered successful starters.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • To see why, contemplate a recent Wall Street Journal headline concerning Meta.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Google had contemplated deals with Android phone makers such as Samsung that would provide exclusivity for not only its search app, but also for its Gemini AI app and Chrome browser, according to a document shown at trial.
    Jody Godoy, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Before the second tribal council, players in David's group debated between either voting out Cedrek McFadden or Shauhin Davari.
    Emily DeLetter, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The origins of the pandemic have been hotly debated since its start.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a sweet moment shared by the NBA, Clark was seen entertaining two of White's sons, bringing them into frame to wave at the camera when she was captured on the Jumbotron.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The change is one that has left Morton suitably entertained.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned the district’s defense that the books are being used to promote respect for others and to show that the world is diverse.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • But critics have questioned why the church, historically a defender of human rights and Christian values, would willingly join forces with the Chinese government, which under leader Xi Jinping has further curtailed religious freedom.
    Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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