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

• offset
• counter
• balance
• corrective
• 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

This allows enough scope to counterbalance concessions in areas of strategic interest. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 24 July 2025

Goff’s designs and architectural career are important counterbalances to the dominance of modernist principles in twentieth-century architecture. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 17 June 2025

Verb

The current session of the Texas Legislature is expected to be ended on Friday, meaning Texas House Democrats could return to the state if California takes steps to counterbalance the Republicans redistributing effort. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

The board appointed Mark Goines as lead independent director to counterbalance the new structure. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025

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