weigh

Definition of weighnext

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 Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs and risk tolerance before making a decision. Usa Today, USA Today, 4 June 2026 Bill Whitaker, who joined the program in 2014 and was a Pelley ally, is said to be weighing whether to walk away from the two years left on his current contract. Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 Measuring 1220 × 420 × 220 millimeters and weighing just 92 pounds (42 kilograms), the platform is among the most compact humanoids in its category. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 June 2026 This is the core Pulsetto vagus nerve stimulation device product info and reviews territory shoppers tend to weigh before checkout. Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Alex Thomas, Arkansas Online, 4 June 2026
  • In a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a staggering margin, Bass’ failure to consolidate more support suggests her tenure has fallen short on the issues that matter most.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • It’s all added up to a potential worst-case scenario for Republicans pondering the midterms.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 3 June 2026
  • Recently, that other long-running music magazine published a list of the 100 Greatest Punk Albums and their picks left me pondering the exact boundaries of punk (which, admittedly, is not a very punk thing to do).
    Brendan Hay, SPIN, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • That decision means the jury can also issue punitive damages, which could result in millions more being awarded.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
  • Chicago — At the top of the Obama Presidential Center, in its sunlit Sky Room is where you’re meant to take it all in.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • The Treasury Department will also consider using Iranian assets to support repairs for past damage, according to the source who confirmed earlier reporting from Reuters on Saturday.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 7 June 2026
  • He's considered one of the planet’s most versatile watermen, with accolades that include eight-time stand-up paddle world champion, hydrofoil pioneer, and big-wave master.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • For those advocates, recent years have provided a rare chance to study life in the emerging canyonlands and to make their case to basin leaders who are contemplating the long-term future of Colorado River management.
    Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 7 June 2026
  • Mattingly joined the Phillies as their new bench coach this season after leaving the Toronto Blue Jays and contemplating retirement.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • The zoo’s petition cites several objections to data centers that have been hotly debated nationwide, including their impact on electricity and water resources.
    David Ingram, NBC news, 6 June 2026
  • The world is still debating whether this is a short-term disruption while farmers are already being forced to make decisions today that will have consequences next year.
    John W.H. Denton AO, Fortune, 6 June 2026
Verb
  • For families The Sagamore excels at entertaining every member of a family.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • Yet, for some of us, it's taken 30 years to entertain the belief that the king of pop didn't stop at achieving the unthinkable.
    Rodney Carmichael, NPR, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Trump frequently questioned Joe Biden's fitness.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 June 2026
  • Some questioned how handing out reprints of an editorial published in the ADA’s own journal, at the ADA’s own annual conference, could be construed as a violation of that code.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

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