tip the scales

phrase

1
: to register weight
tips the scales at 285 pounds
2
: to shift the balance of power or influence
… tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war …—S. F. Bemis

Examples of tip the scales in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Fully fueled, Roman tipped the scales at some 20,000 pounds (9 metric tons) and filled the Falcon Heavy’s payload fairing. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 Among the competitors documented in the film is 15-year-old Kosei, who tips the scales at a mere 154 lbs. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026 However, North Carolina’s community college system, low corporate tax rate, robust logistics infrastructure, and site location ultimately tipped the scales in Davie County’s favor. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 What results is a clunky viewing experience that tips the scales in favor of neither timeline, each half feeling like the first half of a full episode. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tip the scales

Rhymes for tip the scales

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Browse Nearby Words

tip the balance
tip the scales
tip the scales at
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Cite this Entry

“Tip the scales.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tip%20the%20scales. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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