as in offset
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
Relevance
as in to offset
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 counterbalance
David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
There is definitely a healthy dose of oak on the palate, but the slightly bitter notes that provides are a nice counterbalance to the other sweeter and spicier flavors, like vanilla, maple cinnamon, black pepper, cherry, and roasted espresso beans.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The researchers counterbalanced the Casimir effect with a force generated by a flux.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Despite the nickname, Meathead existed largely as a moral counterbalance to Archie, a bigoted, lovable loudmouth who battled with the younger generation over all the ways the times were a-changin’.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
There is definitely a healthy dose of oak on the palate, but the slightly bitter notes that provides are a nice counterbalance to the other sweeter and spicier flavors, like vanilla, maple cinnamon, black pepper, cherry, and roasted espresso beans.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
Disease risk arises from the intricate, dynamic interplay among many genes and variants, each influencing or counterbalancing the others, and sometimes triggering a cascade of effects.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The researchers counterbalanced the Casimir effect with a force generated by a flux.
—Quanta Magazine, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
-
Four offset barrel smokers — plus two rotisserie smokers and two hog cookers — fill the massive pit room.—
Aviva Bechky,
Houston Chronicle,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.—
,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Most of them were neutralized, but unfortunately not all.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Its reduced weight and compact architecture are intended to support rapid relocation after firing, allowing the launcher to limit exposure to counter-battery fire.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Meanwhile, Mbappe grabbed his 38th goal of the season in all competitions from a 91st-minute counter-attack to seal the points.—
Mario Cortegana,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This story has been updated with new information, to reframe parts of the story and to correct spelling errors.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Problems arise when trees interfere with power lines, but professional pruning can correct this.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For residents like Christina Doyle, the goal isn’t to shut visitors out altogether, but to find a balance between access and preservation.—
Trista Kurniawan,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The event will, in particular, monitor several metrics, including motion control, dynamic balance, and impact resistance.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That’s a nice counterweight to a schedule that, as a whole, is likely to be more difficult.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Mediterranean Revival estates, midcentury modern homes, and Spanish-style bungalows still define neighborhoods such as Northwood and Southland Park, providing a counterweight to the glass towers rising downtown and along the water.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 13 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
