outweigh

[out-wey]

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.

Origin of outweigh

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + weigh¹

Synonyms for outweigh

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com

1. surpass, overshadow, eclipse, override.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for outweigh

exceed, counterbalance, overshadow, prevail, eclipse, surpass, offset, overcome, counterpoise, countervail, preponderate, excel, compensate, balance, outrun, predominate, outbalance, outrival

Examples from the Web for outweigh

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
John Avlon on why it's time for the common good to outweigh partisan concerns.
Paralyzed by Polarization
John Avlon
October 12, 2013
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

Historical Examples of outweigh

But he has many good points which often outweigh his baser instincts.
The Night Riders
Ridgwell Cullum
Great as was her own passion, it did not outweigh his feeling.
Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer
Cyrus Townsend Brady
Is it natural that his love for his church should outweigh his passion for the woman?
Ainslee's, Vol. 15, No. 6, July 1905
Various
Every one knew that Canada could outweigh all these things fifty times over.
Benjamin Franklin
John Torrey Morse, Jr.
Thus, thus can I supply all that is wanting; thus can I outweigh the balance of my sins.
Woman under Monasticism
Lina Eckenstein

British Dictionary definitions for outweigh

outweigh

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

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