weigh

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 restaurant owners and employees weigh their options, the clock is ticking. Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 8 Nov. 2025 Grating sections are approximately 5½ feet wide by 38 feet and about 5 inches deep, with each piece weighing about 2 tons. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025 The poster describes him as 6-feet tall and weighing 185 pounds. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 All eyes are on businessman Rick Caruso, who’s weighing whether to seek the governorship or run again for mayor of Los Angeles. Dan Walters, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025 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.
    Amir Mahmoud, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Detail matters in a sprawling residence in the Sacramento foothills, from its bespoke tile work to rich cherry-wood flooring, from unique layout to the use of old Chicago brick in a solarium-like room.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Just ask the folks who’ve made the college basketball committee which is currently pondering expanding its beautiful bracket to 76 teams.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • As with many of A24's horror movies, we're left to ponder whether anything supernatural happens as Maud's quest reaches its apotheosis, proving that fanatical belief is enough to inspire great terrors.
    Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Barr’s unconventional campaign, meant to make an argument against gerrymandering producing deeply partisan districts, made national headlines.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2025
  • That means thousands of flights canceled, or in other words, 200,000 fewer seats and butts in the air per day.
    The Kim Komando Show, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • El Camello has fallen silent, considering what to say next.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The indictment specifically alleges Alcalá, was tasked with coordinating drug-trafficking activities with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a Marxist guerrilla group, considered by Washington to be a terrorist organization that has for decades funded itself via the drug trade.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • People play backgammon and dance around a campfire next to a Music Trunk with a record turntable, while a couple contemplates a frozen lake.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Council members also are contemplating charging more for on-street outdoor dining.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • This phenomenon has long been debated in theory, but now the impact can be observed directly across a large population of stars.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025
  • At a conference in 1969, when other physicists were debating the very existence of gravitational waves, Weber presented evidence supporting their direct detection.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Elsewhere, the main living area, featuring one of over four fireplaces throughout the hilltop retreat, provides the perfect setting for entertaining.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Since then, fans from around the country have followed the Cowboy fans’ lead to entertain themselves in the waning stages of blowouts.
    Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Leaders must analyze complex data, question AI outputs and make ethical decisions amid rapid change.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
  • In September 2025, TCC Chief Financial Officer Pamela Anglin questioned the drastic drop in votes allotted.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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