weigh 1 of 2

Definition of weighnext

weigh (on or upon)

2 of 2

verb (2)

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
Verb
As regulators and operators weigh options for scaling drone delivery, Celeste’s technology could provide a viable path that prioritizes sustainability and integration over raw performance. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026 The Maxwells are enormous and heavy, with their massive 90mm drivers, while the Omnis are smaller and lighter, weighing nearly 340 grams. Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 14 May 2026 First-round pick Monroe Freeling weighed 315 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Mike Kaye updated May 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026 Those quarters weighed not less than 150 pounds apiece. Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • As criticism over competitive disparities intensified following the meet, pro-trans activists pushed back with the familiar argument that inclusion matters more than results, while opponents argued female athletes lose opportunities in the process.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
  • Luckily, summer’s biggest hair color trends are all about giving time back to you for the things that matter most (and sometimes the thing that matters most is taking a nap on the couch).
    Loren Savini, Allure, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Instead, Sydney Lohmann opted to go for goal instead of laying it off, reducing Shaw to toeing the blades of grass beneath her and pondering what might have been.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Ikumelo pondered for a moment and went for Keke Palmer, star of Hustlers and Pimp.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • That athleticism means that today’s blend of speed and power stands alone.
    Chad Jennings, New York Times, 21 May 2026
  • But that doesn’t mean Sander was always serious.
    Max Norman, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • Maybe more importantly, he was considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, which gives him a better chance to contribute early with a QB who expects precision and professionalism.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Bartholomew Street — in recent years considered the spine of an arts and innovation district — leads to the successful Parkville Market and Real Art Ways, the contemporary arts center now in the midst of a $24 million expansion.
    Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • Riverwork’s apparent arc is one of oblivion—like pressing an ear to the murmur and purl of an undercurrent.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • According to text messages obtained via a public records request, Newsom’s office pressed Leigh Hanson, then-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s chief of staff, starting in late May 2024 to clear RVs near the Lynch family’s house in the Temescal neighborhood.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • The ballot measure may prove to be a referendum of how much the council is in step with Lee at a time when Oakland’s leaders are contemplating how the city’s divisions of power could be reshaped.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
  • Coleman made just three appearances for Everton this term and will take a break this summer before contemplating his next move.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Replays on Cleveland’s scoreboard showed Thompson grab Merrill by the neck and shove him to the deck.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 16 May 2026
  • The next day she is shipped off to her first job, also within the confines of this impossibly vast building, which involves shoving film canisters down a pneumatic tube.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Archaeologists then debated whether the tunnel was some kind of underground agricultural or industrial installation, but its scale and uniqueness in the region ruled out that possibility.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
  • Some of the best scenes in Clarissa are when the young friends gather around the table to debate the state of postcolonial literature and the irony of a newly democratic nation under military rule.
    Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026

Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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