counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt 

: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance

counterweight transitive verb

Synonyms

• offset
• counter
• balance
• counterbalance
• corrective

Examples of counterweight in a Sentence

The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back.

hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence

Recent Examples on the Web

Intended as a strategic counterweight to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, this project similarly marginalized the Palestinians, offering them only symbolic gestures. —Ami Ayalon, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025

There is, of course, the People’s Republic of China, which — is strong enough to stand up to Trump’s bullying and dynamic enough to stand as a counterweight to American economic might. —Ross Douthat, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2025

But there are counterweights to the efforts of groups like Daniel Nation. —Bayliss Wagner, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

But the administration is seeking to cut government funding that could serve as a counterweight. —David Hilzenrath, CNN Money, 1 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1693, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

counterweight

noun

coun·​ter·​weight ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt 

: counterbalance entry 1 sense 1