Definition of equipoisenext
1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another when participating in any dangerous sport, one should maintain an equipoise between fearless boldness and commonsense caution

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective her frugality is a much-needed equipoise to her husband's spendthrift ways

Synonyms & Similar Words

equipoise

2 of 2

verb

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 equipoise
Noun
There’s been this delicate equipoise between Russia and the US for the majority of the Cold War, even though the number of weapons has come down a lot from its peak in the eighties. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 27 June 2025 People on both sides of the issue posited that, for all the claims of equipoise, the new rules at Harvard had been introduced with the goal of containing pro-Palestinian protest. — Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The authors do a great job demonstrating that allowing respect for autonomy has, at a minimum, equipoise with the authoritarian approach, if not superiority, when considering a range of measures of health and happiness. — WSJ, 3 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for equipoise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equipoise
Noun
  • Maybe there’s an equilibrium that must be restored on this show, relationship-wise.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Without the United States, the theory goes, the region would settle into its own equilibrium.
    — Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
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
Verb
  • The California Coastal Act just turned 50, balancing sensible development with conservation and public access.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Adding mozzarella and Parmesan creates a salty, extra cheesy base while tomato sauce balances the richness with some acidity.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2026
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
Verb
  • However, Saba Goglichidze pulled one back for Monza right at the start of the second half and the visitors had several chances to equalize before Andrea Pinamonti sealed the match late on.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026
  • That lead would not last long, as Kansas City equalized in the 39th minute.
    — Spencer Baldwin, Denver Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The need for correctives is extensive, and the work is well under way.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • The other thing is that, rather than increasing with surface area, lift tends to drop because the sheets are more likely to equilibrate to the prevailing temperatures.
    — Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Housing would equilibrate if the city had a static population.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The simple industrial design gets a neat little accent in the form of a physical knob for adjusting playback, track navigation, and volume.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The first-year Falcons head coach also does not believe the game plan will need to be adjusted heading into the matchup with the Bears.
    — Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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