counterweight

noun

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce counterweight (audio)
Definition of counterweightnext
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterweight The Tampa Bay Rays are providing an inconvenient counterweight to MLB owners’ framing of modern baseball. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 July 2026 Carbon fiber rods connect batteries, a controller, some counterweights, and a motor and propeller. — IEEE Spectrum, 16 July 2026 It's intended as a counterweight to Leading the Future, the pro-industry PAC backed by OpenAI president Greg Brockman, who has donated over $100 million. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 July 2026 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. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
  1. offset
  2. counter
  3. balance
  4. counterbalance
  5. corrective
Noun
  • In a note last week, analysts at Bank of America said Home Depot's elevated exposure to the Pro customer — relative to Lowe's — is expected to provide an offset to a weaker DIY customer.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 16 Aug. 2026
  • In warmer, staler weather, users can open the offset fly zipper and roll one or both pieces of door fabric open to increase airflow.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of offset
Noun
  • These guys might do much of the unglamorous work that goes unnoticed, breaking up play, playing short passes and sliding across into position to snuff out counter-attacks, but their role is highly valued in the transfer market.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Commercial counter-drone systems Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of counter
Noun
  • Since their inception, these wines have tasted as if something were missing beyond just alcohol—aroma, flavor, body, and balance were absent as well.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Growing dividends provide an ongoing reminder that the portfolio is not merely a balance on a statement, but ownership in businesses capable of sending cash back to their owners.
    — Steve Booren, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of balance
Noun
  • In past decades, the reductions in demand needed to counterbalance shortages in supply came primarily from advanced economies, which consumed the most oil.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Liberian-style jollof rice was seasoned to the hilt, so the fresh Abidjan salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and avocado in a creamy yogurt sauce, proved an ideal counterbalance.
    — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterbalance
Noun
  • State Board of Education member Brandon Hall, a pastor from Weatherford who voted for the mandate, framed the changes as a corrective.
    — Rachel Royster. Produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • Officials argue that graduate debt accounts for more than one-third of the federal student loan portfolio, making tightening limits a necessary fiscal corrective.
    — David S. Shapiro, STAT, 30 June 2026
Definition of corrective

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counterviews
counterweight
counterweights
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Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on counterweight

Nglish: Translation of counterweight for Spanish Speakers

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