outweigh

[ out-wey ]

/ ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

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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.

OTHER WORDS FOR outweigh

1 surpass, overshadow, eclipse, override.

See synonyms for outweigh on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of outweigh

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + weigh¹

Words nearby outweigh

outwards, outwash, outwash plain, outwatch, outwear, outweigh, outwent, outwit, outwith, out with it, outwork

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use outweigh in a sentence

Allergic reactions to the coronavirus vaccine are rare and far outweighed by the benefits.
Many who have received the coronavirus vaccine wonder: What can I safely do?|Laurie McGinley, Lenny Bernstein|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
I don’t think taking another gap year would outweigh future earnings for me, but I know people had to make that tough decision.
The pandemic’s lasting effects on young medical workers|Terry Nguyen|February 1, 2021|Vox
The value of the early implant will be enormous and outweigh the risks, is his take.
Elon Musk busts Clubhouse limit, fans stream to YouTube, he switches to interviewing Robinhood CEO|Mike Butcher|February 1, 2021|TechCrunch
The senior knew he may never play for his new team, but the chance to prove himself on a big stage outweighed the uncertainty.
In search of top competition, high school basketball powerhouses are still crisscrossing the country|Kyle Melnick|January 21, 2021|Washington Post

In the long run, I believe the benefits will far outweigh the costs, especially if we care about helping people who have been struggling for a very long time.
Janet Yellen tells lawmakers it’s ‘critically important to act now’ on economic relief plan|Erica Werner, Jeff Stein|January 19, 2021|Washington Post
Prevalence depends on context, and sometimes unique advantages outweigh the genetic costs.
Mongooses, Meerkats, and Ants, Oh My! Why Some Animals Keep Mating All in the Family|Helen Thompson|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They outnumber and may even outweigh all other forms of life.
Why Did It Take So Long For Complex Life To Evolve On Earth? Blame Oxygen.|Matthew R. Francis|November 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Still, given the lethal nature of Ebola, many believe the potential benefits far outweigh the risk.
Blood Is Ebola’s Weapon and Weakness|Abby Haglage|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the risks of eating clay outweigh the purported benefits.
You Probably Shouldn’t Try to Lose 20 Pounds by Eating Clay|Kent Sepkowitz|June 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
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
If the reasons in favour of sobriety seem to him to outweigh the reasons in favour of drink, he will keep sober.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
Nor did the safety of the state, which would outweigh all such considerations, require the step.
The Political History of England - Vol. X.|William Hunt
Nevertheless the comfort of an employer ought not to outweigh justice to an employee.
Wanted, a Young Woman to Do Housework|C. Helene Barker
That money and the honor he could acquire must have been tempting to the waif, but it did not outweigh his human sympathy.
Mark Twain, A Biography, 1835-1910, Complete|Albert Bigelow Paine
Still, he could not believe that her desire for revenge would outweigh all her maternal feelings.
Ruth Hall|Fanny Fern

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

outweigh

OTHER WORDS FOR outweigh

Origin of outweigh

Words nearby outweigh

Words related to outweigh

How to use outweigh in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for outweigh