weigh

verb

ˈwā How to pronounce weigh (audio)
Definition of weighnext
1
as in to matter
to be of importance evidence that will weigh heavily against the defendant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to ponder
to give serious and careful thought to weighed the options for weeks before making a decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 As designed for the Multivan California Beach, the bed and kitchen set weighs a mere 49 lb (22 kg)), a savings of over 80% compared to the hard bed and kitchen set in the current California Beach production lineup. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026 Their conscience is weighing heavily on them, and naturally, Eurylochus was in the latter camp. — Wisdom Iheanyichukwu, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026 In late July, Bloomberg reported SoftBank was weighing an outright acquisition valuing the company at more than $500 million. — John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The southern hairy-nosed wombat is the smallest of three species of wombats, all found in Australia, typically weighing between 45 and 65 pounds. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
  1. matter
  2. ponder
  3. mean
  4. consider
  5. contemplate
  6. debate
  7. entertain
  8. question
Verb
  • Choose the task that truly matters, simplify one obligation, and protect enough quiet to keep your body on board.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Why durability matters far from paved roads Solar panels sitting on the roof of a building have a relatively peaceful life.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • 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
  • Instead, the fast-casual restaurant chain's CEO and co-founder woke up pondering the country's ongoing cyclospora outbreak.
    — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • That means scanning a 2D barcode can link you to an instruction manual, food allergens, coupons, show you what farm the product came from and whether the package is recyclable.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As the Gen4 car is also wider and longer than its predecessor, this, along with its formidable top speed, means FE has altered its calendar to include more permanent race tracks.
    — Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of mean
Verb
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • At least two San Francisco home listings seen by CNN this spring said the sellers would consider accepting shares of OpenAI or Anthropic as payment.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • The group’s predictions are nightmarish and agonizing to even contemplate.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As South Korea and Japan contemplate acquiring the bomb, the START treaty has expired, and China won't negotiate on arms control.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • There are limited time and resources to debate and vote on proposals.
    — Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But now, the internet is debating the album, with some people accusing Blanco of cultural appropriation.
    — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of debate
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
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Brown was taken to Atlanta Public Safety Headquarters for questioning.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Griffin, who has sharply criticized New York’s tax policies and business climate, had questioned his future commitments to the city.
    — Luisa Yanez August 17, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of question

Phrases Containing weigh

Browse Nearby Words

weepy
weigh
weigh (anchor)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on weigh

Nglish: Translation of weigh for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of august

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All