Thesaurus results for COUNTERBALANCE

counterbalance 1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s

Definition of counterbalance

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

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

India continues to value the stability of its relationship with Washington, particularly as a counterbalance to China’s expanding influence in Asia and beyond. — Ian Bremmer, Time, 11 Sep. 2026 Unions serve as a vital counterbalance in an economy where corporate profits and executive salaries often overshadow the needs of the workforce. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

Verb

In Milan they’re paired with suits as a way to counterbalance the formality. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for counterbalance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance

Noun

That offset shrinks to only 38mm when installing a 280mm radiator kit.

— Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Using an offset spatula, spread meringue evenly over blondie, covering from edge to edge.

— Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of offset

Verb

The active ingredients neutralize the causes of odor, with full effect within 24 hours.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Nearly four hours were spent neutralized behind the safety car, with 16 cautions that prevented this year’s race from ever really developing a rhythm.

— Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of neutralize

Noun

Chef’s counters, bar seating with full menus and single-seat tasting experiences could become more prominent as restaurants explore ways to meet demand for experiential dining.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Baritone Peter Mattei stars as Lincoln, and, in a bit of gender-switching, soprano Christine Goerke is the Reverend and counter-tenor Anthony Roth Costanzo is Miss Elise Traynor.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of counter

Verb

Persist toward Ithaca, but be prepared to correct your course as the winds and circumstances change.

— Jeff DeGraff, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Every hour spent sorting candidates, interviewing, onboarding, correcting course and starting over is time not spent leading the business.

— Kenzie Biggins, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of correct

Noun

Courtney is in school to become a nurse practitioner, which added even more pressure to a home-and-work-life balance.

— Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes vision loss, hearing loss and balance issues, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of balance

Noun

The shifting investments come as both parties make their final spending decisions in the battle for Senate control, with Democrats pointing to their candidates and the political environment as potential counterweights to Republican money.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Oct. 2026
The letter is spearheaded by Guardrails Action, the nonprofit affiliated with Guardrails Alliance, the super PAC launched in June as a counterweight to pro-AI election groups.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of counterweight

Browse Nearby Words

counterattacks

counterbalance

counterbalanced

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Style

“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterbalance

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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