counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s  ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba- 

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  ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba- 

counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

1

: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force

2

: to equip with counterbalances

Synonyms of counterbalance

Noun

• offset
• counter
• balance
• counterweight

Verb

• offset
• neutralize
• correct

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

Noun

The experience of the drink is composed, elegant even, a sophisticated push and pull subtlety and counterbalance, but the list of ingredients reads, to me, to be almost flamboyantly random. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 July 2026

Room 1134’s distressed leather and cast iron accents, dimmable overhead lighting, and wide plank oakwood flooring counterbalance colorfully ombre shades, brocade throws, and a cushy seafoam blue loveseat at the foot of the (very plush) bed. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 July 2026

Verb

Ovechkin is returning to what might be the deepest roster in the league and to a lineup that may have enough solid pieces, top to bottom, to counterbalance its lack of (current) franchise-caliber performers. — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 2 July 2026

This usually centers on the likes of Jefferson and his local, agrarian ideal; James Madison and his counterbalancing factions; Alexander Hamilton and his distrust of the common people. — Jesse Wegman, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026

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

Rhymes for counterbalance

• overbalance
• balance
• valance
• vallance
• imbalance
• rebalance
• unbalance

Kids Definition

counterbalance

1 of 2 noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s 

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