scale 1 of 4

Definition of scalenext
as in balance
a device for measuring weight I hate getting on the bathroom scale

Synonyms & Similar Words

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scale

2 of 4

noun (2)

as in plate
a small thin piece of material that resembles an animal scale scales of mica were embedded in the granite

Synonyms & Similar Words

scale

3 of 4

noun (3)

scale

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verb

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 scale
Noun
This is all to say (lovingly) that it’s known to be on the lower end of the price scale. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2026 The report grades medical care facilities on a scale from A to F, with A being the highest grade and F the lowest. Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026
Verb
Last month a judge extended a pause on transforming a massive Maryland warehouse into a processing facility for immigrants, and there are signs that federal officials are scaling back the plans. Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 Markets have been scaling back expectations for rate cuts and are even pricing in a chance of an increase later this year. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scale
Noun
  • The domino effect of playing Rice out of position and bringing on Martin Zubimendi left Arsenal’s right side vulnerable and impacted their attacking balance.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, central banks must find a balance between boosting growth and combating inflation, while uneven monetary policy among countries could trigger greater regional inequality.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • There was a pause in the action in the fourth inning when plate umpire Brian O’Nora exited with concussion-like symptoms after getting hit by a foul ball.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
  • After a day in the sun, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, where airy accommodations offer sea views, and linger over plates of seafood pastas at Da Mariano.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • Throughout the nine tracks, which range from haunting to playful and toy with auto-tune, Malone examines relationship hierarchies and expectations.
    Ilana Kaplan, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
  • From a young age, many people absorb a simple hierarchy of emotions.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • The limited range of religions represented at Rededicate 250 has drawn criticism from Mathewes and others, who say the event does not grasp the dynamic spectrum of faiths America has come to represent over its 250 years.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • With the market opening up, producers began selling beef — once affordable across much of Argentina’s social spectrum — at prices closer to international levels.
    Clara Preve, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Whether the execution matches the ambition will depend on decisions being made right now about how much to spend, where to direct it and whether the data systems needed to measure success get rebuilt.
    Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • For years, however, scientists lacked a reliable way to measure the real-time power of these jets.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • Charlotte Fire responded with four engine companies and the two ladder companies.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2026
  • The man was given medical assistance by firefighters, but was unable to come down the ladder of the crane due to his condition, the Fire Department said in Facebook post.
    Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Analysts have repeatedly warned that if the war drags on and supply chains are disrupted for long enough, prices for gas and a range of other goods could continue to climb.
    Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • Food and drink The breakfast buffet offers a regularly replenished range of fresh fruit, yogurt, breads, pastries, and juices.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The NewsGuard/YouGov poll differs from polls that focus mostly on the president's job approval ratings, which have been declining for more than a year and surveys that gauge reactions to his personal traits and views on the Iran war.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 11 May 2026
  • The price-to-book ratio remains a reasonable proxy for gauging Berkshire’s intrinsic value.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scale. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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