equipoise 1 of 2

1
as in equilibrium
a condition in which opposing forces are equal to one another when participating in any dangerous sport, one should maintain an equipoise between fearless boldness and commonsense caution

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2
as in offset
a force or influence that makes an opposing force ineffective or less effective her frugality is a much-needed equipoise to her husband's spendthrift ways

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equipoise

2 of 2

verb

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 equipoise
Noun
The authors do a great job demonstrating that allowing respect for autonomy has, at a minimum, equipoise with the authoritarian approach, if not superiority, when considering a range of measures of health and happiness. WSJ, 3 Jan. 2022
Verb
Buyers aren't buying; sellers aren't selling The housing market hangs in an odd equipoise: Would-be buyers aren’t buying, and would-be sellers aren’t selling. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 22 May 2024 In 2016, Americans elected a leader who rejected the very notion of an international system that relies on the United States to maintain equipoise. Timothy Naftali, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2020 See All Example Sentences for equipoise
Recent Examples of Synonyms for equipoise
Noun
  • After years of living alone, Rhoda takes in a lodger, but the change unsettles the equilibrium of her home.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025
  • The show presents surfing as a balance between surrendering to nature while conquering a wave, a push-pull dynamic that can only work in equilibrium, and McNamara has been a compelling personification of that, someone who trains and strives and competes to maintain sangfroid.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • However, the proliferation of low-quality or poorly verified offsets dilutes the market's credibility and undermines climate goals.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • That's still a huge offset to the deficit and debt projections coming from the budget bill alone.
    Kelly Evans, CNBC, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Netanyahu has to balance the demands of his American ally with the far-right parties in his governing coalition, which hold the key to his political survival and oppose ending the war.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 8 July 2025
  • Build governance that balances innovation with accountability.
    Ravi Gedela, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
Noun
  • Boxes of 45s, some with protective sleeves and many without, line the floor near the counter where Doug Snyder sits on the left side of the store.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025
  • Trowbridge's is a charming blast from the past, from the vinyl counter seats to the old-fashioned milkshakes, to the homemade chili and chicken and dumplings.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • When play resumed, Benfica equalized in stoppage time — but Chelsea responded with an emphatic flurry, taking full advantage of the Portuguese side going down to 10 men in extra time.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
  • Experts are also unsure how long any increase in problem gambling might last: Some studies suggest that the prevalence of gambling problems tends to equalize after a spike, but those findings are usually limited to physical casinos and remain debated within the field.
    Hana Kiros, The Atlantic, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Not allowing enough time to equilibrate The most accurate results are obtained after sitting in a low-stress environment for five minutes, Serwer noted.
    Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
  • But in that case, wouldn’t people from low-income areas just overflow to their empty beds, and then the system would equilibrate?
    Renee Hsia, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • Beginning in 2026, the credit will be adjusted annually for inflation.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
  • Still available in white and taupe, its generous strap (which can be worn two ways) is designed to fit comfortably over the shoulder, but can be adjusted to become a crossbody, too.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Equipoise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/equipoise. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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