1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another
a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective
the happiness brought by a new baby was a timely counterpoise to the grief occasioned by a death in the family
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to offset
to balance with an equal force so as to make ineffective
her overall healthiness largely counterpoised the virulence of the infection
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of counterpoise
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2026
Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.
—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—
Amada Torruella,
The New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2023
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—
Matthew Yglesias,
Vox,
29 Nov. 2018
Noun
That’s more than just a defeat; that is institutional counterpoise against the attempt by the president to corrupt institutions.
—
David Frum,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2026
Molina, the embodiment of theatrical excellence, is perfectly cast as the rational counterpoise to Brady’s zealotry.
—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Nov. 2023
What’s most remarkable about Torruella’s film is its counterpoise between the sense of raging injustice and the island’s mystic stillness.
—
Amada Torruella,
The New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2023
Verb
Indeed, the Western, that peculiarly American contribution to the world’s store of epic and saga, often depends on the tale of a defeated Confederate at large to enforce virtue, someone whose heroic individualism is counterpoised with the superficial discipline of the federal troops.
—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
21 Aug. 2023
Conflicts of interest are objective situations that arise when a person’s financial interests can be counterpoised to their public responsibilities.
—
Matthew Yglesias,
Vox,
29 Nov. 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterpoise
Noun
-
For Werzyn, that equilibrium now extends outside the bathroom.
-
Yet both underscore a defining characteristic of American democracy – the delicate yet shifting equilibrium among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches that underpins the business of governing.
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.
-
Using an offset spatula, smooth across surface to cover evenly, spreading all the way to the edges.
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 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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Along with the main shades in the lineup, there are seven color-correcting options that neutralize, brighten, and leave skin looking more refined.
-
Baking soda works by absorbing odors and neutralizing musty, acidic smells from mildew, mold, and bacteria.
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.
-
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
-
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.
Noun
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Officials argue that graduate debt accounts for more than one-third of the federal student loan portfolio, making tightening limits a necessary fiscal corrective.
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Paint can also be a powerful corrective.
Cite this Entry
“Counterpoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterpoise. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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