counterbalances 1 of 2

noun

plural of counterbalance
as in offsets
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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counterbalances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of counterbalance
as in neutralizes
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 counterbalances
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 The pastel counterbalances the darker and mid-tones in the forecast. — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 16 Sep. 2025 The book counterbalances the weirdo factor with multiple heartwarming Disney Adult interviews, including one with an amputee who achieved a running goal at a Disney race and another in which a woman reprioritized, choosing a church mission trip instead of financing another Disney World adventure. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalances
  1. offsets
  2. neutralizes
  3. counters
  4. corrects
  5. balances
  6. counteracts
  7. outweighs
Noun
  • Stifel analyst Peter McGoldrick, who covers athletics, footwear and lifestyle brands, noted that elevated input costs is likely to impact margin pressure for the 2027 calendar year before offsets.
    — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese Money Plant Chinese money plants (Pilea peperomioides) often produce offsets or baby plants, which are easy to divide and repot into their own containers.
    — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2026
Definition of offsets
Verb
  • Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains stimulate saliva, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Fruits, vegetables and whole grains stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes acids and washes away food particles.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of neutralizes
Noun
  • Russia says Ukraine deliberately blocks supplies and evacuations; Kyiv counters that Moscow is effectively holding civilians hostage.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Granite counters and a mini-split air-conditioning unit round out the room, which acts like a hub, connecting to multiple other spaces.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of counters
Verb
  • This measurement corrects a common misconception that white dwarfs are typically blue.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026
  • This version corrects the spelling of the last name of Sweden’s EU affairs minister.
    — Lorne Cook, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of corrects
Noun
  • Under the latest proposal that trustees will vote on, schools with smaller cash balances would contribute less toward an emergency fund used to help struggling institutions.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The collection balances shaping, comfort and style in equal measure, including such staples as stretchy-fit basics, a relaxed denim jacket and high-rise wide-leg jean, among others.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of balances
Verb
  • Elevate your legs This zero-cost prevention tactic simply counteracts the force of gravity.
    — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Winds may not be quite as strong near Sacramento in the evening as the Delta breeze counteracts some of the north winds — a peculiar setup — but could still be gusty in sudden bursts.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of counteracts
Verb
  • Leaders who decide where human judgment is mandatory provide a signal that responsible progress outweighs speed at any cost.
    — Ryoji Sekido, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Overall, opposition to data centers outweighs support by 30 points, with polls showing the majority of Republicans oppose the construction of data centers near them.
    — Riley Callanan, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of outweighs

Browse Nearby Words

counterbalanced
counterbalances
counterbalancing
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Cite this Entry

“Counterbalances.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalances. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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