outweigh
[out-wey]
- 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.
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Origin of outweigh
Synonyms
See more synonyms for outweigh on Thesaurus.com1. surpass, overshadow, eclipse, override.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for outweigh
Contemporary Examples
Caulkins suggests that the current failures of prohibition are “overstated” and that the benefits may outweigh the costs.
For patients who have already been treated, however, the potential benefit as a follow-up therapy may outweigh the risks.
Meaning the good of these drones—below 400 feet or otherwise—is likely to outweigh the bad.
John Avlon on why it's time for the common good to outweigh partisan concerns.
The wages these jobs inject into the economy more than outweigh the impact of the payroll-tax increase and the sequester.
Historical Examples
But he has many good points which often outweigh his baser instincts.
The Night RidersRidgwell Cullum
Great as was her own passion, it did not outweigh his feeling.
Sir Henry Morgan, BuccaneerCyrus Townsend Brady
Is it natural that his love for his church should outweigh his passion for the woman?
Every one knew that Canada could outweigh all these things fifty times over.
Benjamin FranklinJohn Torrey Morse, Jr.
Thus, thus can I supply all that is wanting; thus can I outweigh the balance of my sins.
Woman under MonasticismLina Eckenstein
outweigh
- to prevail over; overcomehis desire outweighed his discretion
- to be more important or significant than
- to be heavier than
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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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper