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 Voices across the Trump administration Monday were dismissive of Boasberg’s handling of the case or his authority to do so, despite judges routinely weighing the legality of immigration policies and executive powers. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 17 Mar. 2025 Today, our attention is stretched thin by modern life: social media, the news, work — everything weighs and distracts. Steve Booren, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025 The benefits of the new stadium, particularly when weighed against its economic cost, were looked at differently as trophyless seasons passed. Michael Walker, The Athletic, 15 Mar. 2025 The judge weighed several factors in determining whether to send Syed back to prison as required under the Juvenile Restoration Act. Lauren Del Valle, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for weigh
Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh
Verb
  • Support journalism that digs deeper into topics that matter most to Arkansans.
    Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Sethi emphasized that this rule should be applied to the things that matter the most to you.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many Americans have taken to social media to ponder what a democratic country looks like without a federal agency at the helm of education.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Lim has obviously pondered this cosmic music at length.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This meant many people started to want to be comedians, which fed into that culture of competition.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Like all reality series, The Baldwins dispatches handheld cameras to its subjects’ places of residence, which, in this case, means their luxurious digs in New York City and their astonishingly idyllic estate in East Hampton.
    Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If the Dodgers are in town, consider catching a ball game.
    Sheila Yasmin Marikar, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 2025
  • For personalized advice and to ensure your tax strategy aligns with current laws and your financial goals, consider consulting a tax professional.
    Rodney M. Loesch, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This would necessitate integrating French alongside English in our federal operations—a significant governance shift few have seriously contemplated.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • State officials in Texas and elsewhere are contemplating their own legislation on the issue.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Private Sector Responsibility: A Strategic Imperative As policymakers debate sweeping changes, the private sector must recognize the direct impact on human capital management and long-term business viability.
    Solange Charas, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Further, in much the same way Newsom debated Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and spoke to Fox Host Sean Hannity, the Governor is showcasing his willingness to debate Republicans and defend his positions that few, if any, Democrats are.
    Douglas Schoen, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Carter gave up smoking and took up swimming and—a basis for a musical, perhaps—entertained Bette Midler and her husband.
    Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Such preachy, doctrinaire, often repellant art may be made to draw attention to this or that social issue, but it is surely not produced to entertain.
    Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Angela questions before May decides to just delete Instagram.
    Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2025
  • More alarming, European leaders are openly questioning their reliance on an America devoted more to its own economic advantage than to a credible commitment to collective security.
    Anthony Lake, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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