counterpoise 1 of 2

noun

Definition of counterpoisenext
1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family

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counterpoise

2 of 2

verb

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌpȯiz How to pronounce counterpoise (audio)
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection

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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 counterpoise
Noun
That’s more than just a defeat; that is institutional counterpoise against the attempt by the president to corrupt institutions. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026 Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry. — Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2023 What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness. — Amada Torruella, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2023
Verb
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities. — Matthew Yglesias, Vox, 29 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise
  1. equilibrium
  2. offset
  3. correct
  4. counter
  5. neutralize
  6. balance
  7. counterweight
  8. corrective
Noun
  • First, a planet had to be in hydrostatic equilibrium, meaning that its gravity has pulled it into a spherical shape.
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • If the market reaches equilibrium, those will need to be filled to prevent the next crisis.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of equilibrium
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • State Board of Education member Brandon Hall, a pastor from Weatherford who voted for the mandate, framed the changes as a corrective.
    — Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • Officials argue that graduate debt accounts for more than one-third of the federal student loan portfolio, making tightening limits a necessary fiscal corrective.
    — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026
Definition of corrective

Browse Nearby Words

counterpoints
counterpoise
counterpoised
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Cite this Entry

“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on counterpoise

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about counterpoise

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