coun·ter·bal·ance
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s 
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force
coun·ter·bal·ance
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-
ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-
counterbalanced; counterbalancing; counterbalances
1
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2
: to equip with counterbalances
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
David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
There is definitely a healthy dose of oak on the palate, but the slightly bitter notes that provides are a nice counterbalance to the other sweeter and spicier flavors, like vanilla, maple cinnamon, black pepper, cherry, and roasted espresso beans.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, welcomed help from the United States, which hoped that a democratic India might counterbalance communism in Asia.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
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Noun
Despite the nickname, Meathead existed largely as a moral counterbalance to Archie, a bigoted, lovable loudmouth who battled with the younger generation over all the ways the times were a-changin’.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 15 Dec. 2025
There is definitely a healthy dose of oak on the palate, but the slightly bitter notes that provides are a nice counterbalance to the other sweeter and spicier flavors, like vanilla, maple cinnamon, black pepper, cherry, and roasted espresso beans.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
But that is counterbalanced by some sweeter notes of ripe and dried stone and tropical fruit, along with a bit of vanilla and a hint of maple.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, welcomed help from the United States, which hoped that a democratic India might counterbalance communism in Asia.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
Cite this Entry
“Counterbalance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterbalance. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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