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
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2026
Analysis of the Charter The Adelphi Charter offers specific policy proposals across the IP spectrum and develops a counterbalance to TRIPS and TRIPS-Plus agreements to be used as guidelines for future IP reform.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Armenia has enjoyed warm relations with Iran in recent years, with Tehran backing Armenia to counterbalance Jerusalem’s backing of Azerbaijan.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Noun
Its tail, nearly as long as its body, acts as a counterbalance when moving through trees, giving it a silhouette that feels closer to an arboreal mammal than a terrestrial predator.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2026
Analysis of the Charter The Adelphi Charter offers specific policy proposals across the IP spectrum and develops a counterbalance to TRIPS and TRIPS-Plus agreements to be used as guidelines for future IP reform.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
But a great manager doesn’t undermine the front office or even just counterbalance their focus on analytics.
—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Armenia has enjoyed warm relations with Iran in recent years, with Tehran backing Armenia to counterbalance Jerusalem’s backing of Azerbaijan.
—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterbalance
Noun
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The parents allege that UC Davis included what was meant only to be an expense offset for the in-kind donations of horses in calculating the total cost of the equestrian program.
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Using an offset spatula, smooth across surface to cover evenly, spreading all the way to the edges.
Verb
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Along with the main shades in the lineup, there are seven color-correcting options that neutralize, brighten, and leave skin looking more refined.
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Baking soda works by absorbing odors and neutralizing musty, acidic smells from mildew, mold, and bacteria.
Noun
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The family opted instead for a grill and small fridge, with a wood counter built around it to give a cohesive look.
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Line dance at lunch The line inside Boss Hog on Tuesday stretched from the ordering counter to the entrance, which isn’t saying much since, according to Catawba County property records, the entire building is about 1,200 square feet.
Verb
-
Hiltz gushed about how other athletes will correct anyone who misgenders Hiltz.
-
Along with the main shades in the lineup, there are seven color-correcting options that neutralize, brighten, and leave skin looking more refined.
Noun
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The space is a balance between tropical escape and late-night lounge, with moody lighting, sexy design elements and music that keeps the energy elevated throughout the evening.
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From entry-level IEMs to high-end studio headphones, the system is designed to enhance clarity, balance and translation across almost every listening system, unlocking their full potential for accurate, consistent monitoring.
Noun
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Newsom and Democratic leaders have argued that their plans are fiscally responsible and a counterweight to cuts and other policy choices pushed by the president and his administration.
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But there’s a necessary balancing act between eyeing the future and embracing the past, which makes said future possible — and that’s where a place like this comes in, as a counterweight to the eternal pursuit of what’s next.
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterbalance. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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