outweigh

[ out-wey ]

/ ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR outweigh ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to exceed in value, importance, influence, etc.: The advantages of the plan outweighed its defects.

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.

Nearby words

Origin of outweigh

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + weigh¹

SYNONYMS FOR outweigh

1. surpass, overshadow, eclipse, override.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR outweigh ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for outweigh

Caulkins suggests that the current failures of prohibition are “overstated” and that the benefits may outweigh the costs.
Economists Slam the War on Drugs in a New London School of Economics Report|Abby Haglage|May 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For patients who have already been treated, however, the potential benefit as a follow-up therapy may outweigh the risks.
How Big Pharma Holds Back in the War on Cancer|ProPublica|April 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Meaning the good of these drones—below 400 feet or otherwise—is likely to outweigh the bad.
Drone Hunting Vote Is Squashed by Citizen Protest|Abby Haglage|December 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST
John Avlon on why it's time for the common good to outweigh partisan concerns.
Paralyzed by Polarization|John Avlon|October 12, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The wages these jobs inject into the economy more than outweigh the impact of the payroll-tax increase and the sequester.
No Matter How Crazy Washington Is, Americans Can’t Stop Shopping|Daniel Gross|March 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And very soon the mere thought of something ugly becomes enough to outweigh the actual presence of something beautiful.
Laurus Nobilis|Vernon Lee
The sentiments expressed were not allowed to outweigh the casual or concerted resemblance of voice.
Wieland; or The Transformation|Charles Brockden Brown
Surely, a Compliment so uniform and tasteful must more than outweigh his teasing and banter with the amiable subjects of both.
The Atlantic Monthly , Volume 2, No. 14, December 1858|Various
However, the similarities so outweigh the dissimilarities that it is an identification.
Warren Commission (3 of 26): Hearings Vol. III (of 15)|The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Yet it could not outweigh his natural and legitimate satisfaction that day.
Second String|Anthony Hope

British Dictionary definitions for outweigh

outweigh

/ (ˌaʊtˈweɪ) /

verb (tr)

to prevail over; overcomehis 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

Word Origin and History for outweigh

outweigh

1590s, from out (adv.) + weigh (v.). Related: Outweighed; outweighing.

outweigh

verb (used with object)

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of outweigh

Examples from the Web for outweigh

outweigh

verb (tr)

outweigh