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

Both are too speculative, and neither seems to outweigh the potential downsides to investors of less frequent reporting.

Read more on Barron's

Speaking at the closing ceremony on Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the agreement showed "shared goals" outweighed the countries' differences.

Read more on BBC

Last season the Egyptian's output outweighed any lack of defensive effort but with Liverpool struggling in attack, this imbalance raises concerns.

Read more on BBC

Courts across the country struggle with whether one person’s right to procreate outweighs another’s right to not become a parent against their will.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

More than ever, it’s worth running the numbers on a Roth conversion with a planning expert and weighing the pros and cons, according to Carroll: “The benefits have to outweigh the cost.”

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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