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 At his heaviest, the Hollywood actor weighed about 550 pounds. Mike Wehner, Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026 Davis is 6 feet 1 and weighs about 190 pounds. Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026 Argyle weighed 218 pounds, Ricci said. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 My go-to for the office is this suede, slouchy shoulder bag from Quince that has just enough room to hold my laptop and notebook without weighing me down. Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • This improves access for ions and molecules, which matters for batteries and chemical sensing.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • This isn’t a place designed to impress from afar; it’s meant to be felt and experienced.
    Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Google says the new setup is meant to reduce tab overload and interruptions.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Boston University Track and Tennis Center is widely considered one of the fastest indoor tracks in the world, known for producing several national and world records.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The exchange is notable, considering it had not been previously disclosed.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Immigration reform was being debated in Congress, fueling hope that immigrants like her might finally get a pathway to legal residency.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Nutrition policy is increasingly debated through separate legislative channels.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year career in Milwaukee and led the franchise to its first NBA championship in a half century, the team could be more willing than ever to entertain offers that would return considerable compensation to the Bucks.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Family-friendly cruises offer plenty to keep the kids entertained—think rock climbing, mini golf, pickle ball, aqua parks, and more at no extra cost.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The artist said the viral clip sparked a wide range of reactions online, with some viewers questioning the authenticity of the footage and others lamenting the destruction of the elaborate build.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • And in a news conference this week, New Orleans’ police superintendent questioned ICE’s arrest of one of the agency’s recruits.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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