scale 1 of 4

Definition of scalenext
as in balance
a device for measuring weight I hate getting on the bathroom scale

Synonyms & Similar Words

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scale

2 of 4

noun (2)

as in plate
a small thin piece of material that resembles an animal scale scales of mica were embedded in the granite

Synonyms & Similar Words

scale

3 of 4

noun (3)

scale

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verb

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 scale
Noun
Over the past decade, the Indian state has quietly assembled a parallel digital security architecture that allows authorities to intercept, analyze and store communications data at an enormous scale. Rana Ayyub, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026 Some push this concept even further, arguing work-balance doesn’t exist when building something at scale—an idea echoed by Zoom CEO Eric Yuan. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Eyes on Within four minutes of arriving at the outside wall of the Louvre, the thieves had scaled the building and were breaking through a window. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025 This is a continuation of the company’s retail expansions — before launching its direct-to-consumer website earlier this year, the platform built up partnerships with Jared, Selfridges, and Dubai’s Duty Free, scaling to more than 100 wholesale doors. Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scale
Verb
  • The property’s lot measures 4,640 square feet in area.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • For now, expectations remain measured.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Assessed values are one metric that can be used to gauge a property’s worth.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Johnson even gauged Morton’s interest in joining his staff in Chicago.
    Dianna Russini, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scale. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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