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

She said the bill had "fundamental flaws" that could outweigh any potential benefits.

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Scientists have said vaccines’ benefits outweigh rare risks and that medical advances now protect children against a long list of diseases that in the past killed thousands every year.

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“Pressure from major industrial groups to avoid a prolonged cycle of tit-for-tat measures, as well as concerns about jeopardizing U.S. support for the war in Ukraine, ultimately outweighed pure economic calculus,” Lagarde said.

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Officials largely agreed that a recent slowdown in job growth outweighed lingering concerns over sticky inflation when they cut their benchmark rate by a quarter-point last month, to a range between 4% and 4.25%.

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An August referendum on restarting the reactor, held just three months after it closed, failed to attract a quorum, though the yes votes outweighed the noes.

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Related Words

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