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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Micron fees ‘offset’ planning costs Micron announced its Boise investment in September 2022, just as the city was wrapping up its fiscal year.
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Unlike private debts, these types of federal debts can sometimes result in benefit offsets or other collection actions.
Verb
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Another contractor was brought in to neutralize the green growth using nanobubble technology, which did cut back some of the green growth, but may have led to the new blue finish peeling off the bottom of the pool.
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That legitimate gap does not, however, neutralize the resistance risk their products carry.
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
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Hiltz gushed about how other athletes will correct anyone who misgenders Hiltz.
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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.
Noun
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The shape of the heel with a wider base provides more support, providing significantly more stability, balance, and weight distribution than traditional slim or stiletto heels.
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Globally, the top concern is work-life balance, specifically when job demands consistently exceed the time and energy workers have to meet them.
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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