counterbalance

1 of 2

noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s 

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-

1

: a weight that balances another

2

: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2

verb

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s 

ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-

counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances

transitive verb

1

: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force

2

: to equip with counterbalances

Synonyms

Noun

• balance
• canceler
• canceller
• corrective
• counter
• counteraction
• counterforce
• counterpoise
• counterweight
• equipoise
• neutralizer
• offset

Verb

• annul
• cancel (out)
• compensate (for)
• correct
• counteract
• counterpoise
• make up (for)
• negative
• neutralize
• offset

Examples of counterbalance in a Sentence

Noun

charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season

Verb

The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter.

a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As men comprise 41% of head coaching positions in NCAA women’s basketball, VanDerveer’s hiring practices provide a counterbalance. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2024

Lane's own mother, the fearsome antiques maven Mrs. Kim (Emily Kuroda), is a whole different story, which makes her rock & roll rebellion the perfect counterbalance to Rory's bookish tendencies. —Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

counterbalance

1 of 2 noun

coun·​ter·​bal·​ance ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌbal-ən(t)s 

ˌkau̇nt-ər-ˈbal-

1

: a weight that balances another

2

: a force or influence that checks an opposing force

counterbalance

2 of 2 verb

: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force