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
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
With grocery bills, childcare expenses and other household costs climbing, partly due to ongoing tariff impacts, the cooling rental market provides a modest but meaningful counterbalance.
—Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
The problem of unchecked power is not nearly counterbalanced by any number of indulgences the wielder of that power deigns to bestow.
—Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Analysts have said the Taliban’s high-level visit to India signals a change in ties, in part, as a counterbalance to souring relations with neighbor Pakistan.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
With grocery bills, childcare expenses and other household costs climbing, partly due to ongoing tariff impacts, the cooling rental market provides a modest but meaningful counterbalance.
—Molly Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
While Simmons and Frehley were known for their complex and often fraught relationship, Frehley’s unpredictable nature and distinctive laugh counterbalanced Simmons more somber, business-minded demeanor.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
The problem of unchecked power is not nearly counterbalanced by any number of indulgences the wielder of that power deigns to bestow.
—Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
-
The market for voluntary carbon offset and removal credits has been struggling for the last several years to repair a reputation sullied by numerous greenwashing scandals.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
11 Nov. 2025
-
These spring-blooming bulbs naturalize easily and spread through self-seeding and new offsets that form on the bulbs underground.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Within a few short years, all effective sources of opposition were neutralized in Hungary.—
Kim Lane Scheppele,
Time,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Ukraine’s battle against Russia’s relentless drone assaults has found a powerful counter in the STING interceptor drone, a compact, fast, and cost-effective weapon designed to neutralize enemy UAVs mid-air.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Foden has improved the defensive side of his game to the point that Guardiola trusts him to play a more complete role in the centre of the pitch, but going with such a fluid line-up does risk exposing City on the counter.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The rise of digital payment systems has made tipping both easier and more awkward, especially when prompts appear at counters, kiosks and drive-thru windows.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This was something that communism corrected to a certain degree, but not really.—
Fiction Non Fiction,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Fitzpatrick ordered prosecutors to immediately correct that.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Critics argue the ballroom's sheer scale—twice the size of the main residence—will fundamentally alter the White House's historic proportions and architectural balance.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Yet, even as photovoltaic technology advances, engineers continue to chase a balance between efficiency, stability, and cost.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Mamdani’s commitment to sanctuary policies positions him as a direct counterweight to federal immigration enforcement.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Each tram has eight passenger cars and is powered by a typical heavy-duty elevator mechanism with cables, counterweights, etc.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share