counterbalance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
Definition of counterbalancenext
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season

Synonyms & Similar Words

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counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of counterbalance
Noun
Room 1134’s distressed leather and cast iron accents, dimmable overhead lighting, and wide plank oakwood flooring counterbalance colorfully ombre shades, brocade throws, and a cushy seafoam blue loveseat at the foot of the (very plush) bed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026 Matthew was the perfect counterbalance. — Simon Bland, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
Verb
Given the disparity in economic resources between Iran on one side of the Persian Gulf, and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar on the other side, a counterbalancing bloc would hold the stronger hand over time. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 30 July 2026 And Washington will still want a partner capable of resisting destabilizing pressures, not to mention helping to counterbalance China. — John Calabrese, The Conversation, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
  1. offset
  2. neutralize
  3. counter
  4. correct
  5. balance
  6. counterweight
Noun
  • Dylan’s attorney, Kerry Garvis Wright, countered by saying a non-settling defendant such as Scott is only entitled to an offset for settlement of economic damages.
    — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Axelrod suggested Melton try throwing his cutter more like a four-seam fastball, with a slight offset on the grip.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of offset
Verb
  • Also on Sunday, Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces downed or neutralized almost 500 Ukrainian drones launched overnight.
    — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Emergency workers continued to extinguish fires and identify and neutralize explosive devices at the site in the village of Myla, Zelenskyy added.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of neutralize
Noun
  • For breakfast, go and grab a stool at the counter at Nagle's Apothecary Cafe and order the daily frittata.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Beijing, however, holds counter-leverage through its dominance of the rare earths used in humanoid actuators and motors, Wang said.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of counter
Verb
  • Now, researchers have shown that an AI agent can learn to diagnose and correct some of these failures on its own.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This story has been updated to correct one reference to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
    — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of correct
Noun
  • Now, one element of great balance is there’s not a ton of headliners, stars.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This balance prevents the charge pile-up that normally creates a dangerous electric-field spike when the transistor turns off.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of balance
Noun
  • 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
Definition of counterweight

Browse Nearby Words

counterattacks
counterbalance
counterbalanced
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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