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

as in to matter

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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 For voters still weighing their options, Vance tied his pitch for Rogers to some of the issues hitting closest to home. — Elaine Rojas-Castillo, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The CNCs that can cut hard metal normally weigh thousands of pounds and start around $50,000. — Joe Mullich, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Duna’s Dream, a six-and-a-half-foot-high sculpture by Jaume Plensa weighing 617 pounds. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Oct. 2026 The American Academy of Pediatrics’ 5 Cs of Media Use asks families to weigh five factors instead of counting minutes. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for weigh

Recent Examples of Synonyms for weigh

Verb

But the detail that matters most happens in a small testing room in Norwell.

— Matt Alt, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
The common concern is what matters in the scene, and where the audience should be as that part of the story unfolds.

— Callum McLennan, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of matter

Verb

The Liberty Bell, with its famous crack, hasn’t been rung in 180 years, but that hasn’t stopped scientists from pondering what the bell might have sounded like when tolling.

— Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
In addition, Mendes and the studio have been pondering a highly unique reporting structure for the films’ box office receipts.

— James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ponder

Verb

Legislators in at least 30 states have considered pricing bills this year, including measures addressing algorithmic and personalized pricing, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Changing expectations or considering proposals without comparable information undermines confidence in both the process and its recommendations.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of consider

Verb

But on Monday, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan likened many of the investors drawn to the AI boom to gamblers and questioned the economics of AI labs as Wall Street debates whether the AI bubble will burst.

— Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The candidates for county judge debated the county’s most pressing issues, including budget management, flood control and jail diversion.

— Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of debate

Verb

But that kept him entertained, as did his gaming console, which came in handy last year in Rome, when my husband and I slipped out to Piazza del Popolo for a glass of wine.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The games feature unconventional rules designed to keep the action moving and entertain fans.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

There is little public clarity around the individual voters whose registration is being contested or how the administration began to question their eligibility.

— Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
But Laura Zimmermann, Common Sense Media’s director of youth AI research, questioned the value of OpenAI’s statistics.

— Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of question

Browse Nearby Words

weepy

weigh

weigh (anchor)

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“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/weigh. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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