outweigh

American

[out-wey] / ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

verb (used with object)

to exceed in value, importance, influence, etc..

The advantages of the plan outweighed its defects.

Synonyms:

override, eclipse, overshadow, surpass
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.

outweigh British

/ ˌaʊtˈweɪ /

verb

to prevail over; overcome

his 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

Etymology

Origin of outweigh

First recorded in 1590–1600; out- + weigh ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

New laws could lead to unintended consequences for other vital democratic interests that may outweigh uncertain benefits.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

It’s a clever workaround and it would be technically feasible, but you are correct in that the opportunity cost and potential capital-gains taxes from liquidating other assets probably outweigh those tax savings.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Bitcoin rallied past $70,000 early Friday, as U.S. monetary policy concerns appeared to outweigh ongoing tensions in Iran.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

By March, Baker-Mazara’s less-productive moments had started to outweigh his contributions in the eyes of USC’s staff.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

My comrades believed this was a trivial matter and the negative consequences of resistance would outweigh any benefits.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023