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 Richard Brody weighs what this omission means for the film. Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026 The sample is a single spherical meteorite weighing 44 grams, with a dark molten outer shell. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 The stock is down more than 21% in the year to date as investors weigh the impacts of an upcoming leadership shakeup on the retailer. Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2026 More than a dozen other states are weighing their own mask laws. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • There is precedent for federal support of airlines, but the context matters, says Fox.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Tuvia Gering, a nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub, said China is uniquely positioned to offer economic incentives that matter to Tehran, especially after the war ends, as Beijing can promise investment in reconstruction and commercial relief in ways few others can.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The medical drama's season 2 finale ended on a cliffhanger Thursday, April 16, with Wyle's character pondering a three-month sabbatical and a motorcycle ride across the country.
    Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The philosopher Biggie Smalls once pondered the nature of dangerously escalating rivalries.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Lajos’s transparent skin, initially so intriguing, does not end up mattering or meaning anything.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Parker Posey isn’t meant to live an uncomfortable life.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • After discovering that the infantry is mounting an attack on Southern forces, Henry considers the chance to clear his name and finally fight for his country.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Back in Illinois, state lawmakers are considering a gun bill that would require pistol manufacturers to redesign models that can easily be turned into automatic weapons.
    Grace Miserocchi, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Zbur said future expansion would be based on its success in Santa Monica, and that such expansion is already contemplated.
    Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
  • As Jackson County officials contemplated what to call the state-of-the-art twin stadiums due to open in the early 1970s, one obvious name emerged.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Policy experts have begun to debate whether the act applies to negotiations beyond free broadcast TV distribution.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Curriculum debates crop up occasionally.
    Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That's his actual conscience, his actual goal, not to entertain people or make people laugh, but to advance the causes of the left by any means necessary.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That’s not a spoiler, because the six-episode limited series never intends for viewers to entertain the possibility that one of its two main characters only exists within the other’s mind.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Don't hurt me … Terry Rose was immediately transported to the police department where Wilson and Tamayo were waiting to question him.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Butler said on Friday that police were questioning Brian Hooker on a potential charge of causing harm resulting in death.
    Adam Sabes , Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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