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 groundbreaking comes as soaring property taxes and living expenses weigh heavy on longtime residents in the historically working-class neighborhood. — Larry Seward, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 2026 The whale was 55 feet long and weighed more than 58,000 pounds, the scientists reported. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 13 Nov. 2026 The ongoing legal battle appears to have weighed heavily on Lambert. — Michelle Curran, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2026 Possible closures Factory owners in the Ashulia, Jamgora and Hemayetpur areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, are weighing the indefinite closure of 210 factories amid continuing labor unrest over demands for a higher minimum wage. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • The title track is written from the perspective of the DJ Fagen envisioned, the sage who schooled his younger self on what mattered, though this character is more of a Shepherd type.
    — Mark Richardson, Pitchfork, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Adam Cervera’s campaign relied on dirty political tactics that distracted from issues that should have mattered most to voters.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The stock closed down about 4% Thursday as investors pondered the lawsuits, investigations, likely corporate jockeying and the resilience of a market driven by the gains of a few tech giants.
    — Kelvin Chan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Escott is rolling out some meditation workshops where participants will stand on a city pavement and ponder how ancient seashells and coral reefs were once turned into cement and combined with stones and sand to turn into pavements.
    — Anne Makovec, CBS News, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • This means less manual cleanup and a healthier appliance in the long run.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Lehane said OpenAI’s views are meant to offer an alternative to extremes around AI.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • While Casher often credited Thomas Organ’s Brad Plunkett as the engineer of the device, the wah-wah pedal was considered Casher’s brainchild.
    — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Nov. 2026
  • That distinction matters for companies considering multi-agent systems.
    — Trevor Laurence Jockims, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • To that end, there are some important life insurance moves that policyholders should seriously contemplate making currently.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The novel begins with Percheron contemplating news of Field’s death, and proceeds to trace their youths, including their meeting, in 1807, when Field is humbled by Percheron’s virtuosity on the piano.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • And with a budget and an election coming up, Chicago is openly debating the best way to improve public safety.
    — Arne Duncan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Whether Europe should be represented by one person or a team — and who should take on the role — was debated Friday as leaders of the 27-nation European Union met at a summit in Dublin.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • At some of the island calls, local dance troupes come onboard to entertain.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Nov. 2026
  • With no battlefield victory in sight, Putin has reasons to entertain a diplomatic off-ramp.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 13 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Reyes questioned why those conditions, some of which had existed for years, suddenly required an extensive closure beginning on the exact date Trump had publicly specified.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Nov. 2026
  • Aid groups have also questioned how the response is being managed.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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