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 All while weighing around 3,400 to 3,500 lb (1,550 to 1,580 kg). New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026 In each scenario, a leader must navigate uncertainty, regulate their emotions, weigh competing risks, represent the organization, and absorb external pressures aimed at the company. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 As a result, almost every local government would face hellish decisions — weighing cuts to emergency services like police and fire against libraries, recreational programs and senior centers. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026 Farbiarz weighed holding officials in criminal contempt for transfer violations averaging more than once per week. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • New York’s actions are a clear statement that due process still matters and children deserve a fair hearing before life-altering decisions are made about their futures.
    Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • These results matter because karst landscapes like the one beneath State College are widespread.
    Nolan Roth, Scientific American, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • While Tavares coach Gavin Jones ponders how to replace 18 transfer players heading into the season, just down Route 441, new Eustis coach Tanner Harris is pumping some energy into a program that has had four coaches in three years.
    Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Though not outright as conceptual as its predecessors, La Nueva Violencia leaves room to ponder celebrity overexposure and the mind-warping effects of the content age.
    Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • But that doesn’t mean the show is cured of its worst instincts, like turning people’s very serious, consequential life problems into entertainment.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In addition, its modular, which means that single reactor can be combined into arrays of hundreds of units, with five-year refueling cycles.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Takaichi's remark crossed what China considers a red line in its relations with other countries about Taiwan, which is a self-governing island that Beijing claims as its territory.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Last week, amid trade talks with the US, Carney asked premiers to consider bringing US alcohol back to store shelves in hopes of reaching a deal.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier, writer-director Lanctôt won two prizes at Venice in 1984 for her first feature, Sonatine, about two teenage girls contemplating suicide.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The siblings may argue that the current transaction implements the type of sale that Jeanie and the trustees contemplated in the tag-along provision.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Supporters are circulating clips of Ossoff’s speeches, debating his prospects against other potential 2028 Democratic contenders and increasingly comparing his trajectory with Obama’s rapid rise from the Senate to the White House.
    Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Opportunities are delayed because organizations are debating whose numbers are correct rather than deciding what actions to take.
    Ashraf Altawashi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Steel Pier still entertains families, and the wooden walkway remains a tradition for many families.
    Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Adults can share the duties of handing out snacks and keeping kids entertained.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Critics of the strikes have questioned the overall legality as well as their effectiveness.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Economists question whether the credit would attract new work or mostly subsidize projects that would have stayed in California anyway.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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