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 As regulators and operators weigh options for scaling drone delivery, Celeste’s technology could provide a viable path that prioritizes sustainability and integration over raw performance. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026 The Maxwells are enormous and heavy, with their massive 90mm drivers, while the Omnis are smaller and lighter, weighing nearly 340 grams. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 14 May 2026 First-round pick Monroe Freeling weighed 315 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Mike Kaye updated May 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026 Those quarters weighed not less than 150 pounds apiece. Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Luckily, summer’s biggest hair color trends are all about giving time back to you for the things that matter most (and sometimes the thing that matters most is taking a nap on the couch).
    Loren Savini, Allure, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • EBay’s board is now pondering GameStop’s offer.
    Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • The sequence left us pondering our pet cats and, for good measure, our worst selves.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • The boutique hotel group was created by Kostis Karatzas, who’s also the founder of The Greek Foundation (a platform celebrating Greek creativity) and the publisher of The Athens Guide, meaning there’s an emphasis on connecting guests with the most exciting happenings in this vibrant city.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • That typically means on the south or west side of your home.
    Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Maybe more importantly, he was considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, which gives him a better chance to contribute early with a QB who expects precision and professionalism.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Her organs shift while contemplating policy.
    Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 10 May 2026
  • Imagine, for a moment, if former Vice President Kamala Harris had jumped into the governor’s race, as contemplated.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Archaeologists then debated whether the tunnel was some kind of underground agricultural or industrial installation, but its scale and uniqueness in the region ruled out that possibility.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
  • Some of the best scenes in Clarissa are when the young friends gather around the table to debate the state of postcolonial literature and the irony of a newly democratic nation under military rule.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Upon the third ask, Bontempo decided to actually entertain the possibility.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
  • Callers also noted more recent reporting in 2025 from THR, TheWrap, and elsewhere that Decurion has received several offers to acquire the entire complex, but Decurion has not entertained those offers or made the Cinerama Dome itself available.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Residents at a homeowner association meeting in April questioned how an Iron Mountain data center crept into their backyard unnoticed.
    Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 16 May 2026
  • Americans are seriously questioning his handling of key issues, such as inflation, immigration, jobs and foreign affairs.
    Tatishe Nteta, Fortune, 16 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on weigh

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster