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 counterbalance is both Eaton and GE Vernova stand to benefit from the electric grid overhaul that needs to happen, irrespective of AI. — Alexa Lomonaco,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026 McGregor offers a welcome counterbalance as Brooke, whose general disposition emanates from her relationship with her father, even as it’s hobbled by troubles the script pinpoints with delicacy. — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
Biological discoveries can offer company executives an opportunity to craft a more positive narrative that counterbalances some of the doomsaying surrounding their products. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026 Richardson discusses how his early fascination with science and his enjoyment of science fiction has influenced his poetry and considers the way his aphorisms counterbalance his more lyric poems. — Fiction Non Fiction, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 20 Oct. 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
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