weigh

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 Today’s star is three inches long, weighs about as much as a cufflink, and costs less than your morning macchiato. Nik Miles, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025 Donors must be 17 or older, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in good health. La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is also weighing another case against a Maryland man deported by mistake that could shed light on the fate of more than 100 men accused of being gang members who have already been sent to prison in El Salvador. Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025 Related article Extreme volatility sends US stocks on a roller coaster ride as Wall Street is rattled by tariffs The jolt into positive territory was short-lived — a spark of hope kindled by a bogus rumor that Trump was weighing a three-month delay on tariffs. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • By fostering environments where every voice matters and unique contributions are recognized, leaders create spaces where individuals feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
    Jack Zenger, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • But with a handful of games to go and the team still in the playoff hunt, the only thing that matters is the 2 points.
    Arthur Staple, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sarah Wells ponders how her 13-year-old business, selling breast-pump backpacks and other items for new moms, will run under President Trump's new tariffs on all imports.
    Alina Selyukh, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025
  • And ponder why the tee shot on the par-3 12th creates such a riddle.
    Bob Spear, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That means nearly 40% of US households bought a car in 2024.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
  • If approved, the order will not go into effect until well after the April 15, 2025, tax deadline, which means that, at least this year, taxpayers who file on time and want a paper-check refund should still be able to get one.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rectangles of prospective dimensions are considered.
    Sarah K. Rich, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • This result is far from a disaster though, as key Flamengo players had just returned from a busy international break, and visitors Inter are also considered title contenders.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Boasberg has been contemplating whether to hold any administration officials in contempt of court for ignoring his orders last month to turn around planes that were carrying the deportees to El Salvador.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Callahan said the uncertainty is why many are debating whether to buy or sell shares and why companies such as Klarna, StubHub and Chime are reportedly delaying their initial public offerings.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Such historical revelations, belatedly publicized and debated, were necessary, yet immeasurably painful.
    David Remnick, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The film is mass at its core and magical in its storytelling, crafted to move and entertain audiences worldwide.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Families are very much the focus here, and the resort offers a wealth of activities to keep younger guests entertained (see: the indoor kids’ club and playground with multi-story slides, and the dedicated kids’ pool with water slides.
    Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The shooting Saturday in Pocatello outraged the boy's family and neighbors as well as viewers online who questioned why the officers opened fire within about 12 seconds of exiting their patrol cars while making no apparent effort to de-escalate the situation or use less lethal weapons.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Legal experts are questioning the authority of the Trump administration to pause the federal funding.
    Selina Wang, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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