Synonyms of weigh

weigh

verb

ˈwā 

1

as in to matter

to be of importance

evidence that will weigh heavily against the defendant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• matter
• mean
• count
• signify
• influence
• import
• affect
• carry weight
• cut ice
• sway
• concern
• amount (to)
• add up (to)

2

as in to ponder

to give serious and careful thought to

weighed the options for weeks before making a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ponder
• consider
• contemplate
• debate
• entertain
• question
• study
• explore
• eye
• analyze
• review
• ruminate
• look at
• cogitate
• think (about or over)
• revolve
• chew on
• mull (over)
• meditate
• deliberate
• wrestle (with)
• pore (over)
• turn
• chew over
• perpend
• digest
• kick around
• reflect (on or upon)
• beat one's brains out (about)
• cudgel one's brains (about)
• believe
• reminisce
• muse (upon)
• conclude
• opine
• absorb
• speculate (about)
• reason
• dwell (on or upon)
• fixate (on or upon)
• conceive
• fret (about or over)
• brood (about or over)
• obsess (about or over)
• second-guess
• assimilate
• drink (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• slight
• disregard
• overlook
• dismiss
• reject
• pooh-pooh

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

Recent Examples of weigh

In weighing the defense’s arguments, jurors had to determine whether Santos lacked the capacity to understand that his actions were legally and morally wrong. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026

Republicans weigh 5th District If Missouri’s new map remains in place, the candidates for the 5th District would have to represent a broad swath of urban, suburban and rural voters. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

Nothing good can come from weighing the interests of our state against the impact on a national run. —Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 Feb. 2026

The monarch butterfly, however, which only weighs about as much as a potato chip, travels at least 50 miles at one time, flying over mountains and rivers during its annual migration. —Sheryl Devore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing weigh

• under weigh
• weigh (on or upon)
• weigh down
• weigh in