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 The all-tackle world record, from Bulgaria, weighed 87 pounds 10-ounces. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 12 Mar. 2026 The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office said Mitchell is 35 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 230 pounds and has brown hair. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Mar. 2026 Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs and risk tolerance before making a decision. Usa Today, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026 The tusk weighed around 200 pounds and was estimated to be worth about $1,000 per pound, security told investigators. Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 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.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Mar. 2026
  • What are the common passions that matter to us?
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The marble statue, who has had centuries to ponder her own desires and discomforts, must retrain the woman to put herself first.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Anderson has been pondering it for a while.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The purchase for an undisclosed sum is meant to boost Anduril’s capabilities in space domain awareness, battle management and fire control.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The judge dismissed the charges with prejudice, meaning that the case cannot be retried.
    Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Washington Post reported Wednesday that ICE is considering a plan to close it.
    Morgan Lee, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Before heading to checkout, be sure to consider the roomy Aria Faux Suede Shoulder Bag.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Indeed, in recent weeks, judges in two federal cases have drawn a line that seems to have eluded many others contemplating AI.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • By contemplating these three items right now, savers can better determine which of the two accounts fits their needs and goals better.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His statement was debated on the airwaves and online, and covered in outlets ranging from TMZ to The Hill, a website ostensibly devoted to Beltway politics.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The movie stars participated in a Variety & CNN town hall last week in which the pair debated how the pacing of movies and streaming series appeals to different generations who consume media on a wide range of mediums.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • There are games galore to keep children entertained, plus a fabulous kid’s den on the top floor of the house with a huge TV and bed-like sofas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The second quarter is where the Pistons stopped entertaining the idea of another scare.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Adult witnesses whom Cox will be able to question include a mother who had a child under the age of 12 with her and allegedly saw Cox masturbating in the shower.
    Amy DeLaura, The Washington Examiner, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Over two days of questioning this week, senators and representatives pushed her to explain the ad campaign.
    Rebecca Santana, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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