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 Eight priests in heavy robes acted as the counterweight, controlling a rope as thick as my forearm. Craig Martin, Outside Online, 8 May 2025 Created as a counterweight to Google's dominance in artificial intelligence, the project got initial funding from Musk. CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025 Such a group could provide an important alternative and counterweight to Silicon Valley and China—the regions that dominate today. Florian Douetteau, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 In all, the news formed a sobering and immediate counterweight to investors’ hopes of just hours ago. Catherine Baab, Quartz, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterweight
Noun
  • While higher oil prices are a significant drag on many sectors within the US economy, the profits from US oil production provide a positive offset.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025
  • Carbon offsets, electric vehicles, and glossy net-zero pledges are held up as solutions, while the core logic—produce more, ship further, grow faster—goes unchallenged.
    Nathalie Kelley, Time, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • This was SpaceX's 465th landing, according to a counter on the company's website.
    Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 23 June 2025
  • To facilitate a counter, stores would have to add additional staff members.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Flexibility and work-life balance without the loss of structure and collaboration.
    Maria Ross, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Charles Schwab Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Coyle, 33, is the right-shot center the Blue Jackets were seeking this summer, a counterbalance to the three left-handed centers — Sean Monahan, Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger — already in the Columbus lineup.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • As the voice of Rex, Norton doesn’t have a ton of narrative weight to bear, but as the more eagerly helpful counterbalance to the nihilistic Chief, Norton’s chipper intonations set the right tone. 43.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterweight. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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