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 Since the New York indictments, the NBA has implemented changes to its injury reporting rules, is further investigating the claims laid out by federal prosecutors, and is weighing tweaks to other rules to guard against future problems. Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 Much of the challenge lay in the subjectivity of securing a Certificate of Appropriateness, with reviewers weighing everything from exterior paint — which was white — and other details visible from the street. Gina Mayfield, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026 Place a heavy, flat object on top of tofu (like a skillet or baking sheet) and weigh it down with cans or another skillet. Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 15 Jan. 2026 That said, you’re bound to see it a lot more come March and April, because as the temperature warms up, the lightweight topper offers just the right amount of warmth without weighing you down. Eva Thomas, InStyle, 15 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • This is a city where craft still matters.
    Hannah Howard, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Higher values mean stricter limits on alternative theories.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026
  • This means officials spend limited time studying rule changes, reviewing game film or participating in training exercises during the off-season.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • If that sounds hyperbolic, consider that Independence offensive coordinator Marlon Barnett has compared Resar to former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who was the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Since the two pieces are such versatile staples, consider this your sign to add similar dress pants and pumps to your own wardrobe.
    Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.
    Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
  • After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?
    Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Opposite a serene Rooney Mara and a raging Claire Foy, Buckley is a lone dissenting voice in Sarah Polley’s heart-wrenching portrait of a group of women and girls in an isolated Mennonite colony who are debating how to respond to a series of brutal attacks from the men in their community.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The band was the first to sanction fan taping at their concerts, spawning an abundance of homespun recordings that have been collected, traded and debated for decades.
    Erin Osmon, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • View Outside’s longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Dean Martin, drawn by the same privacy and sweeping views that first captivated the Mitchells decades earlier, later owned the estate as well, remodeling the home and frequently entertaining a who’s who of his Hollywood friends.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Fox News Digital attempted to question Block about McCuskey's statement after oral arguments for the case in the Supreme Court Tuesday, but Block walked away from the first wave of questioning to take a picture with his team and client.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Lawmakers will kick off their budget writing process by questioning both the legislative analyst and the governor’s finance staff, Gabriel said.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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