counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio) ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba- How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
Synonyms of counterbalancenext
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio) ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba- How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

1
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2
: to equip with counterbalances

Synonyms of counterbalance

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Noun

Verb

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Examples of counterbalance in a Sentence

Noun charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season Verb The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter. a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch
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.
Noun
The pallid grayness of Mike Eley’s cinematography is probably supposed to mimic the finality of HIV/AIDS taking hold, but there’s no passion aesthetically to counterbalance what becomes absolute misery onscreen to watch. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026 While Zurich—and Switzerland as a whole—are known for their high cost of living, the study highlights an important counterbalance. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
But on the back of the hot economy, the on-the-ground reality is rents in New York have grown significantly since the pandemic, more than counterbalancing the 2022-2023 increases in interest rates and thus mortgage payments. — Remy Raisner, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 Of course, drug development is high risk, with the potential for big returns counterbalanced by the products and companies that flop. — Avalon Pernell, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterbalance was circa 1611

Rhymes for counterbalance

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Browse Nearby Words

counterattack
counterbalance
counterbalanced window
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

counterbalance

1 of 2 noun
coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s How to pronounce counterbalance (audio)
ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈbal-
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2 verb
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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