makeweight

noun

make·​weight ˈmāk-ˌwāt How to pronounce makeweight (audio)
1
a
: something thrown into a scale to bring the weight to a desired value
b
: something of little independent value thrown in to fill a gap
2
: counterweight, counterpoise

Examples of makeweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Isabella, a third-year player, could be an attractive makeweight for Jacksonville and their new quarterback as a deep threat. — Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 10 Aug. 2021 One of those players is Paulo Dybala, who nearly signed with Spurs on deadline day in August - could he be used as a makeweight if Juve's finances would allow it? — SI.com, 3 Oct. 2019 Now 27, he was linked with a move away to Newcastle during the Euros as a makeweight in a deal to bring Anthony Gordon to Anfield. — Elias Burke, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024 But the £15million Forest effectively paid to sign him, with backup keeper Odi Vlachodimos moving as a £20million makeweight, also remains one of the best deals struck by Forest in the modern era. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Miralem Pjanic was a makeweight in that deal with Barca, which perhaps mitigates the fee somewhat and allows Felipe Melo to enter the conversation as a candidate for the worst Juventus transfer of all time. — Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of makeweight was in 1695

Rhymes for makeweight

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Browse Nearby Words

make way
makeweight
make whoopee
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Cite this Entry

“Makeweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/makeweight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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