Synonyms

carry weight

Idioms

Also,. Exert influence, authority, or persuasion, as in No matter what the President says, his words always carry weight. Shakespeare combined two of these expressions in Henry VIII (3:2): “Words cannot carry authority so weighty.” [c. 1600]

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.

MedPAC lacks regulatory authority, but its recommendations carry weight on Capitol Hill.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

Does any of that historical power for both the Continent and Japan carry weight when it comes to stocks?

From Barron's • Jan. 21, 2026

They are controversial because they carry weight, demand change and acknowledge lived realities.

From Salon • May 3, 2025

On the down slope of near-fame, Maria must confront the fact that it’s not her own name, but those of the men in her orbit, that can open doors, fix problems, carry weight.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

Anything William said would carry weight in the town.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

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