scales 1 of 4

Definition of scalesnext
plural of scale
as in balances
a device for measuring weight I hate getting on the bathroom scale

Synonyms & Similar Words

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scales

2 of 4

noun (2)

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

scales

3 of 4

noun (3)

plural of scale

scales

4 of 4

verb

present tense third-person singular of scale

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 scales
Noun
Across shirting, slip skirts, and swimwear, the collection features prints of seashells, frog eggs, and fish scales photographed by Zoe herself. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 3 June 2026 If that behavior scales, prediction markets may become something broader than a niche financial tool. Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Add Fresh Mulch Mulch with a coarse or sharp texture—such as large wood chips—can irritate a snake's belly scales. Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 31 May 2026 During the search, police said investigators allegedly seized 30 grams worth of fentanyl pills, 12 grams of crack cocaine, several digital scales, a BB gun, and two 9mm rounds of ammunition. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026 This survey is different from others; there are no scales or multiple choice. Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026 The results feed back into the physical experiments at the tank, and the models are validated against the tank data before being used to study conditions and scales that the tank can’t physically reproduce. Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 The statistics on domestic abuse in the NFL seem to tip the scales past way too much. Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee got involved in the race last week, placing a last-minute ad buy as the House Democrats' campaign arm sought to tip the scales in Garcia's favor. Fin Daniel Gómez, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Verb
And the tower was poised to become the centerpiece of The Climb, a British indie film that cast Cara Delevingne as a fearless eco-protester who scales Western Europe’s tallest building. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 3 June 2026 For instance, stepping up to a 10-contract position scales your risk to exactly $500. Nishant Pant, CNBC, 2 June 2026 As Lobos scales under the Diageo‑MSA joint venture, Osorio is focused on awareness and inviting more people into that world. Gina Pace, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Thrasio, a consumer goods firm, acquires and scales third-party brands on Amazon and other e-commerce marketplaces. Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 However, the selection gives Oklo access to a potentially important source of reactor fuel as the advanced nuclear sector scales commercial deployment efforts. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 May 2026 The highest setting, Dark Knight difficulty, scales up enemy damage and limits your total lives per mission. Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026 As the West scales back on climate funding, Asian funders are stepping in to plug the gap. Angelica Ang, Fortune, 25 May 2026 In a separate study, Perez recently found that evidence showing that depression scales hold steady across other features, such as gender and culture, is inadequate. Simon Makin, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scales
Noun
  • In addition, officials said, another invoice has since gone past its due date, with total overdue balances reaching approximately $916,000.
    Nathan Ansell, Arkansas Online, 29 May 2026
  • But at his best, Bukayo Saka is just as effective, and a left-footer balances the attack out nicely.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 29 May 2026
Noun
  • Her mother was a waitress who could balance six dinner plates up her arms; her father worked in an appliance factory.
    Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Food and drink The fifth-floor BAHR with its open kitchen showcases his distinctive flavor combinations with plates like prawn rissoles (a Portuguese snack) as well as riffs on traditional dishes like pork with clams.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Networks of competence are prioritized ahead of hierarchies of authority.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • Tillmans frequently displays his work tacked or taped directly to the gallery wall, interspersed with postcards, ink-jet prints, and magazine clippings, calling into question typical hierarchies of scale and subject matter and pointing out the photos’ materiality.
    News Desk, Artforum, 26 May 2026
Noun
  • Reports have revealed that the S2087 is a proven, high‑performance towed array sonar designed to detect and track quiet submarines over long ranges in complex littoral and open‑ocean environments.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026
  • Congressional candidates are required to report their assets only in broad ranges.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • This method measures how light reflects off the uranium surface compared to a reference beam, creating a small topographic map.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 31 May 2026
  • Much of Disney’s in-house tech has been integral as advertisers look for specifics to target viewers and measures outcomes.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Everything had to be done first, rocks moved, grass cut, ladders put away, dishes washed.
    Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026
  • The route is rigged with guide ropes and ladders and there are scenic overlooks to stop for water.
    John Otis, NPR, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Besides adhering to and leveraging various spectrums of light, temperature, air quality, and noise levels, these conditions are underrated factors that either support or undermine human biology hour by hour.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
  • Vulture’s critics are tracking the year’s TV highlights across the streaming and broadcast spectrums, from breakout hits to underseen gems and everything in between.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The annual Social Security trustees report, which gauges these timelines, is expected to be released this month.
    Lorie Konish, CNBC, 3 June 2026
  • Several stock market gauges around the world — from the US to Taiwan — have now erased all their losses since the start of the Iran war, as financial markets price in a possible path to peace.
    Pratigya Vajpayee, Bloomberg, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scales.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scales. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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