outweigh

verb

out·​weigh ˌau̇t-ˈwā How to pronounce outweigh (audio)
outweighed; outweighing; outweighs
Synonyms of outweighnext

transitive verb

: to exceed in weight, value, or importance
the advantages outweigh the disadvantages

Synonyms of outweigh

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Examples of outweigh in a Sentence

She outweighs her sister by 10 pounds. This issue outweighs all others in importance.
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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.
Their respective value, therefore, cannot be judged on transfer fee, with their presence in the squad far outweighing that. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026 Fleming says success here means repeatable results, low side effects and a determination that taking the drug outweighs risks. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2026 An agent automating a high-volume customer process can easily outweigh several cheaper agents solving narrow, isolated problems, even if its usage bill is larger. — Prashanthi Kolluru, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Among Wisconsin Democrats, the notion that the costs outweigh the benefits of data centers has grown from 56% in October of last year to 88% last month. — Philip Elliott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outweigh

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outweigh was in 1534

Rhymes for outweigh

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Browse Nearby Words

outweep
outweigh
outwell
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Cite this Entry

“Outweigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outweigh. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

outweigh

verb
out·​weigh -ˈwā How to pronounce outweigh (audio)
: to be greater than in weight, value, or importance
the benefits outweigh the disadvantages
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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