outweigh

[ out-wey ]

verb (used with object)

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

   The advantages of the plan outweighed its defects.

   Synonyms: override, eclipse, overshadow, surpass

2. to exceed in weight:

   The champion will probably outweigh his opponent.

3. to be too heavy or burdensome for:

   Collapse may follow if the load outweighs its supports.

outweigh

/ ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

verb

1. to prevail over; overcome

   his desire outweighed his discretion

2. to be more important or significant than
3. to be heavier than

Word History and Origins

Origin of outweigh¹

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

Example Sentences

Allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine are rare and far outweighed by the benefits.

From Washington Post

I don’t think taking another gap year would outweigh future earnings for me, but I know people had to make that tough decision.

From Vox

The value of the early implant will be enormous and outweigh the risks, is his take.

From TechCrunch

The senior knew he may never play for his new team, but the chance to prove himself on a big stage outweighed the uncertainty.

From Washington Post

In the long run, I believe the benefits will far outweigh the costs, especially if we care about helping people who have been struggling for a very long time.

From Washington Post

Prevalence depends on context, and sometimes unique advantages outweigh the genetic costs.

From The Daily Beast

They outnumber and may even outweigh all other forms of life.

From The Daily Beast

Still, given the lethal nature of Ebola, many believe the potential benefits far outweigh the risk.

From The Daily Beast

But the risks of eating clay outweigh the purported benefits.

From The Daily Beast

Caulkins suggests that the current failures of prohibition are “overstated” and that the benefits may outweigh the costs.

From The Daily Beast

If the reasons in favour of sobriety seem to him to outweigh the reasons in favour of drink, he will keep sober.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor did the safety of the state, which would outweigh all such considerations, require the step.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless the comfort of an employer ought not to outweigh justice to an employee.

From Project Gutenberg

That money and the honor he could acquire must have been tempting to the waif, but it did not outweigh his human sympathy.

From Project Gutenberg

Still, he could not believe that her desire for revenge would outweigh all her maternal feelings.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cancel out
• counterbalance
• eclipse
• exceed
• offset
• overcome
• overshadow
• prevail
• surpass