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
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Recent Examples of counterbalance
Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In Why Democracy Needs the Rich, author John McGinnis argues that wealth, including billionaire philanthropy, is a healthy counterbalance to government.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Those losses were then counterbalanced by a road victory against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse and a third straight win over NCAA Tournament shoo-in Saint Mary’s in Idaho Falls.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Meanwhile, the earthy and nutty pumpernickel bread is a great counterbalance to the richness of the filling.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
In Why Democracy Needs the Rich, author John McGinnis argues that wealth, including billionaire philanthropy, is a healthy counterbalance to government.
—Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Designed by group collaborator and designer Dorothee Meilichzon, the rooms’ whimsical stylings are cleverly counterbalanced with classic details like parquet flooring, white walls and linens, and light wood.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Those losses were then counterbalanced by a road victory against Butler at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse and a third straight win over NCAA Tournament shoo-in Saint Mary’s in Idaho Falls.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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Transfer dough to prepared pan and, using an offset spatula lightly coated with nonstick spray, spread into an even layer, working all the way to the edges.—
Jesse Szewczyk,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 May 2026
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When the offset bulbs are sending up stems, and there is too much competition for space and resources, the patch of bulbs will produce fewer, or smaller, flowers than before.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Imai hasn’t commanded his arsenal against anyone, but his inability to neutralize lefties has been of particular concern to team officials.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Using white blood cells from humans infected with hantavirus, the researchers identified antibodies—proteins in the immune system that can identify and neutralize pathogens—that may be able to combat different strains of the virus.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Over the weekend, Iran made a counter proposal to end the war.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
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The one-story four-bedroom has an open plan, with oversize windows, high ceilings, wood-look tile flooring, a primary bath with two vanities and zigzag floors, an office, and a kitchen with quartz counters and stainless appliances.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Meanwhile, Beijing has recognized its historical weakness in basic science and has moved aggressively to correct it.—
Imran Khalid,
Twin Cities,
7 May 2026
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The company has tried for several weeks to correct the information with no luck.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
7 May 2026
Noun
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The domino effect of playing Rice out of position and bringing on Martin Zubimendi left Arsenal’s right side vulnerable and impacted their attacking balance.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
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Meanwhile, central banks must find a balance between boosting growth and combating inflation, while uneven monetary policy among countries could trigger greater regional inequality.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Built by the Mosler Safe Company in Ohio, the vault’s doors opened upward, activated by two massive counterweights that swung down at the press of a button.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 May 2026
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As Mamdani works out his approach to criminal justice, his appointment of Richards suggests a desire for a political counterweight to Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a tough-on-crime scion of the establishment.—
Molly Fischer,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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