Synonyms

outweigh

American

[out-wey] / ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

verb (used with object)

to exceed in value, importance, influence, etc..

The advantages of the plan outweighed its defects.

Synonyms:

override, eclipse, overshadow, surpass
to exceed in weight.

The champion will probably outweigh his opponent.
to be too heavy or burdensome for.

Collapse may follow if the load outweighs its supports.

outweigh British

/ ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

verb

to prevail over; overcome

his desire outweighed his discretion
to be more important or significant than
to be heavier than

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of outweigh

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + weigh ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For example, if your brother’s health is declining, the upfront costs may outweigh the benefits.

From MarketWatch

There are clear scenarios in which the benefits of using a VPN far outweigh any drawbacks.

From Salon

Prof Servais argues newborn testing is "extremely easy to implement" and the effectiveness of the treatment would outweigh the cost of screening.

From BBC

Previous analyses—from the U.S. government, World Health Organization and others—have found that serious side effects from Covid vaccines are rare and that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks.

From The Wall Street Journal

The committe said the number of lives saved by screening does not outweigh its harmful effects on healthy men.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023