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 Markets have been volatile as investors weigh whether higher oil prices could reignite inflation. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026 The Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with the objectors, saying that a ban in Colorado raises free speech concerns and should be weighed by a lower court. Aleksandar Furtula, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026 While Lucas continues to publicly weigh a congressional campaign, there are several political realities that the mayor will still have to consider. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 What to know to start your day After three recent shootings in Downtown Memphis, city leaders are weighing options on how to best address the uptick in crime the area traditionally sees during the warmer months. Erin Munz, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • January 20 – February 18 When needs collide, inventive bridges matter most.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The timing matters as robotics competition heats up This legislation comes at a moment when China is rapidly advancing in robotics.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Who ever ponders the conveniences of that 20th-century innovation, the airplane, that makes 21st-century hustle possible?
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • But news is expected soon on the Hall of Fame KU coach, who is pondering his future after having heart problems the past few years.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • That means eliminating Iran's Navy, which is now absolutely destroyed, hurting their Air Force and their missile program at levels never seen before, and annihilating their defense industrial base.
    James Powel, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • That means they are left out of state cost-cap bills.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In a 2015 email, when Mead Johnson was considering supplying some of its formula to a researcher for a study, a company neonatologist expressed concern that the results could be spun to make the preemie product look unsafe.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • At twenty-five cents a pack, they were considered a medium-status brand, still a splurge for most people in China.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The idea that consumer taxes would be one of them is hard to contemplate.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The slow burn of Santos getting repeatedly plowed over with stress and emotion has led her to contemplate self-harm again.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The name-changing process Burbank Unified set up committees to debate the topic, first to decide whether there should be a name change, and then what the new name should be.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The kids' menu is tempting for adults and youngsters alike, and if in doubt, a ride in the golf carts that come with each villa will be more than enough to keep everyone entertained.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • The notion of relying on Kurdish forces as a national alternative was briefly entertained, then abandoned.
    Kazem Kazerounian, Hartford Courant, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If someone invokes these rights, police are supposed to stop questioning them immediately.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Quinn says investigators questioned his story.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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