counterbalance

counterbalance

noun

Definition of COUNTERBALANCE

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 balance, canceler (or canceller), corrective, counter, counteraction, counterforce, counterpoise, counterweight, equipoise, neutralizer, offset

Related Words trade-off; ballast, weight