✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

balance out

phrasal verb

balanced out; balancing out; balances out
1
: to make (a different or opposite thing) less powerful, noticeable, etc. : to compensate for
Serve black coffee to help balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
His quickness will balance out the other fighter's greater strength.
2
: to be or become equal or even
The good times and the bad times balanced out

Examples of balance out in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Charring the sprouts first gives them a slightly bitter edge to balance out the richness, while leeks and garlic melt into the background. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025 For a touch of sweetness, tomatoes balance out the salty olive mix, while the cabbage soaks up every last drop of flavor. Pableaux Johnson, Southern Living, 25 Nov. 2025 The long sleeves balanced out the gown’s revealing details, while the number’s shimmering gold sequin design brought the drama. Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 22 Nov. 2025 Rich, sweet, and creamy, this topping will help to balance out the deep flavors of the warm pecan pie. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for balance out

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Balance out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balance%20out. Accessed 30 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!