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 of counterbalance

Noun

• offset
• counter
• balance
• counterweight

Verb

• offset
• neutralize
• correct

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

Labneh with lemon and garlic is a tangy counterbalance, and a final sprinkling of mint and cayenne pepper adds just a little kick. — Warren Rojas, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

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

Verb

Of course, drug development is high risk, with the potential for big returns counterbalanced by the products and companies that flop. — Avalon Pernell, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

The best accessories to oyster eating are those that amplify the bivalve’s puckery, oceanic qualities rather than counterbalancing them. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 23 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for counterbalance

• overbalance
• balance
• valance
• vallance
• imbalance
• rebalance
• unbalance

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