counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
Synonyms of counterweightnext
: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance
counterweight transitive verb

Synonyms of counterweight

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Examples of counterweight in a Sentence

The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back. hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence
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.
Adding the right No 6 could help establish an effective counterweight for what is already looking like one of the most dangerous attacks in the Premier League. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 As Altman absorbs the public’s fears and frustrations over AI, the company has recently sought to elevate Brockman’s profile as a counterweight. — Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Back to the turntable portion, an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge is pre-mounted to a carbon fiber tonearm with an adjustable counterweight. — Brad Moon, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 In other words, emotion, empathy and irrationality could be seen as some of the most powerful counterweights to AI. — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterweight

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterweight was in 1693

Rhymes for counterweight

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Browse Nearby Words

counterweigh
counterweight
counterweighted window
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Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterweight. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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