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 In August 2025, Allen was found liable by default rather than following a trial in which a jury weighed the competing accounts. — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 The intellectual property implications are substantial for brands weighing design protection, trade dress and the limits of enforcement when consumers are actively amplifying lookalikes. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Rising oil prices weighed heavily on the market, where nearly three out of every four stocks within the benchmark S&P 500 index fell. — Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Fear cues – like a nuclear mushroom cloud – can push viewers to weigh fresh information and reconsider their choice. — Monique Mitchell Turner, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 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
  • The next census count is still a few years away, but what our leaders decide now matters a great deal.
    — Julie Morita, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That means that while the AP ranking doesn’t matter for CFP qualification, the Broncos will also likely top the CFP Committee’s rankings once released.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of matter
Verb
  • No one interested in pondering what looks like an intractably difficult conflict need turn their attention to Iran or Israel.
    — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Newsom, in the podcast, appeared to already be considering them while pondering what to do next.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • But his planning doesn’t mean that the tax would survive the courts, and in any case, not every billionaire will necessarily make similar arrangements.
    — Ramesh Ponnuru, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Winning means making much tougher decisions about what to put on the floor.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of mean
Verb
  • Marketed under the brand name Keytruda, pembrolizumab is considered to be something of a wonder drug in its own right, with just 30% of patients relapsing in the first two years of treatment.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Operators must consider what happens when that material eventually returns to Earth.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • Article 39 also contemplates an Accountability and Care Committee that helps to develop injury-surveillance systems and conducts investigations.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Anyone contemplating retirement abroad should investigate insurance, emergency arrangements and the ability to pay upfront before making the move.
    — Lance B. Fulford, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • This month, the council held a nine-hour hearing to debate tax proposals, including the BAT, as the council attempts to mitigate budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2028.
    — Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • When Risch declined to debate, Achilles showed up to directly confront the incumbent at a limited public appearance in Boise, where Risch was set to speak at a 9/11 memorial event.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • Keep scrolling to shop our ultimate Thanksgiving hosting guide, featuring cooking essentials, entertaining must haves, table decor and more.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.
    — Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Prosecutors said the 33-year-old suspect, a German citizen who has ties to the Berchtesgaden area but doesn't currently live there, was questioned.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • A number of protesters were also taken in for questioning and not allowed to join planned marches, according to local media.
    — Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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