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

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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 The department’s definition laid out several criteria used to weigh if degrees count as professional programs. — Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 This approach minimized the physical payload, providing a viable breathing supply without weighing the insect down. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Cornyn’s loss weighs heavily on Senate Republicans, who suggest that Paxton could cost the party an extra $100 million to defend the seat. — Thomas Beaumont, Chicago Tribune, 4 July 2026 On the investor call following the announcement, McCall said the sale reflects years of the ITV board weighing its strategic options — and that Sky was ITV’s preferred partner from the start. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 July 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
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    — Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026
  • That matters because the hardest loyalty programs to replicate are not built only on points.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • So Balogun had drawn a red card in the round-of-32 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, meaning he would be suspended for the following game — Monday’s match.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • There, the hotel’s overarching theme of kisetsukan, meaning seasonal awareness, is felt most evidently at Iñaki.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Definition of mean
Verb
  • And on bikes no-one sane would ever consider banging around a racetrack on.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The Teller's wedding no-show still comes a surprise, considering Keleigh has been friends with Taylor for well over a decade.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • Emergency experts working day and night contemplated various entry and exit routes from the nearest accessible access point, about 75 feet away from where Gil was trapped.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • With a new album out this summer—her first in a decade—Madonna’s reemergence on the pop scene has left many of us contemplating her ultimate place in its firmament.
    — Alex Frank, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
  • The other was Michael Longfellow’s sketch about a guy dying at the top of a waterslide and debating whether he should be pushed down the slide or carried down the stairs, which was the only thing Bargatze kept talking about all week.
    — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 July 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The on-site Children’s Garden adds to its appeal, with interactive features that keep younger visitors entertained for hours.
    — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Buchhorn’s conviction was overturned in 2021, after the Court of Appeals of Kansas found Buchhorn’s defense did not sufficiently question Erik Mitchell of Frontier Forensics Midwest, an independent contractor who performed Oliver’s autopsy.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
  • Trump has routinely teased the possibility of seeking a third term since returning to office and openly questioned whether he would be allowed to do so.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
Definition of question

Phrases Containing weigh

Browse Nearby Words

weepy
weigh
weigh (anchor)
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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on weigh

Nglish: Translation of weigh for Spanish Speakers

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