counterpoise

counterpoise

noun

Definition of COUNTERPOISE

1

a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another <a musical piece with a counterpoise of loud and soft passages>

Synonyms counterpoise, equilibration, equilibrium, equipoise, poise, stasis

Related Words counterbalance, offset; firmness, fixedness, security, stability, steadiness

Near Antonyms changeability, fluctuation, inconstancy, insecurity, instability, mutability, precariousness, shakiness, unsteadiness, volatility

Antonyms disequilibration, disequilibrium, imbalance, nonequilibrium, unbalance

2

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 balance, canceler (or canceller), corrective, counter, counteraction, counterforce, counterpoise, counterweight, equipoise, neutralizer, offset

Related Words trade-off; ballast, weight