counterweight
noun
coun·ter·weight
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌwāt 
: an equivalent weight or force : counterbalance
counterweight
transitive verb
Examples of counterweight in a Sentence
The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back.
hard work can often be a counterweight to modest intelligence
Recent Examples on the Web
Governor Gavin Newsom spearheaded the campaign, positioning California as the counterweight to Texas and cementing his leadership in the national redistricting fight.
—
Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
While the men around careen about their lives, barely able to see three feet in front of them, Gilpin is a powerful counterweight against all the masculine posturing, an anchor of pragmatism and insight and human emotion.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Each tram has eight passenger cars and is powered by a typical heavy-duty elevator mechanism with cables, counterweights, etc.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
According to the outlets, the pair heard a loud bang and the elevator cabin jammed before eventually falling down the shaft, along with a number of concrete counterweights.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
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.
Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025
While the men around careen about their lives, barely able to see three feet in front of them, Gilpin is a powerful counterweight against all the masculine posturing, an anchor of pragmatism and insight and human emotion.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
Each tram has eight passenger cars and is powered by a typical heavy-duty elevator mechanism with cables, counterweights, etc.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
According to the outlets, the pair heard a loud bang and the elevator cabin jammed before eventually falling down the shaft, along with a number of concrete counterweights.
—Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterweight
Cite this Entry
“Counterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterweight. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
counterweight
noun
coun·ter·weight
ˈkau̇nt-ər-ˌwāt
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share