tip the scales

phrase

1
: to register weight
tips the scales at 285 pounds
2
: to shift the balance of power or influence
… tipped the scales in favor of a declaration of war …—S. F. Bemis

Examples of tip the scales in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, North Carolina’s community college system, low corporate tax rate, robust logistics infrastructure, and site location ultimately tipped the scales in Davie County’s favor. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026 What results is a clunky viewing experience that tips the scales in favor of neither timeline, each half feeling like the first half of a full episode. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 23 Aug. 2026 Miami’s season-opening, last-minute home win over the Fighting Irish ultimately tipped the scales to put the Hurricanes in the CFP over Notre Dame. — Justin Williams, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 If Romance balanced the human and the corrupted, Dopamine Chamber deliberately tips the scales. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tip the scales

Rhymes for tip the scales

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Browse Nearby Words

tip the balance
tip the scales
tip the scales at
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tip the scales.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tip%20the%20scales. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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