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 Officials say Krishna was last seen wearing athletic clothing and is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build, weighing about 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 The Government Accountability Office report lands at a moment when Congress is weighing the future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the main federal agency supporting museums. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 May 2026 According to Northrop Grumman, the drone weighs about 1,250 pounds (555 kilograms). Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026 Be sure to weigh costs, storage needs and risk tolerance before making a decision. Usa Today, USA Today, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • Attenborough matters because, for generations of TV viewers, in scores of countries, he has been regarded as the person who best understands one crucial purpose of the medium—who has made the most fruitful use of what television, uniquely, can be for.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 May 2026
  • Titles don’t matter — results do.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • As Jeff Sanders wrote (here) on Thursday, the Padres are pondering a lot of different ways to deal with their starting pitching situation in the coming weeks.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
  • Graham may have finally assumed her rightful place in the newspaper-movie canon, but we’re still left to ponder her absence from the most iconic journalism movie of the 20th century.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Milan’s defeat on Sunday lunchtime meant Inter could clinch the Scudetto with a draw against Parma.
    James Horncastle, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Interestingly enough, his rise as a baseball player meant making the ultimate personal sacrifice.
    Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The hearts and minds of Braves players were on Bobby Cox on a sunny evening at Dodger Stadium before the middle game of a three-game series against the Dodgers — a game that meant very little, considering the news of the day.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 10 May 2026
  • Banking groups are floating last-minute changes to a compromise on stablecoin yield as a key Senate panel begins considering a landmark digital asset bill.
    Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Here was a more congenial setting for contemplating liberty than Paris or Port-au-Prince.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • The Louisiana case is more likely to have an impact in other states that may be contemplating redistricting.
    Jack Fink, CBS News, 3 May 2026
Verb
  • In an individual sport, removed from any team dynamic, the results board made the fairness debate hard to ignore.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
  • In a Facebook group with more than 17,000 members dedicated to discussing Florida’s sargassum, travelers regularly debate whether to keep or change their plans to avoid the rotten-egg-smelling seaweed.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Complimentary bike rentals, bonfires, an on-site disc golf course, and a cinema showing kid-friendly movies will keep the whole family entertained, and seasonal offerings like boat rentals and a skating rink add to the fun throughout the year.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • For families The entire property has been designed like a welcoming family home, with plenty to entertain the kids.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Araghchi questioned whether the latest military exchange was meant to pressure Iran into a peace deal or the result of someone persuading the president of the United States (POTUS) to extend the conflict.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026
  • Some have questioned whether the Biennale really is a nonpartisan exhibition, pointing to the show’s history of making political statements, including in 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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