WEIGH Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

weigh

verb

ˈwā

Definition of weigh next

as in to matter

to be of importance evidence that will weigh heavily against the defendant

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 Since 1997, Congress has required NSF to explicitly weigh such factors in its grantmaking. —

Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 7 Feb. 2025 Catch up quick: Axios reported that Catalyst Brands was weighing strategic alternatives for Forever 21 last month. —

Richard Collings, Axios, 6 Feb. 2025 Taken together, these individuals’ collective experiences force us to expand our understanding of the accomplishments and costs of the Civil War, and to weigh anew the pangs that accompanied the new birth of freedom. —

Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025 Attorneys for Blanding, who weighs 489 pounds, filed the lawsuit, claiming the incident, which occurred earlier this month, violated Michigan's anti-discrimination laws, which include weight as a protected characteristic. —

Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for weigh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh

Verb

Its applications simplify data management to help educators focus on what truly matters—supporting student success.

— Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
What mattered was actually getting in, something no one involved was taking for granted.

— Jordan Bianchi, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025