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

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

The Liberian-style jollof rice was seasoned to the hilt, so the fresh Abidjan salad, with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and avocado in a creamy yogurt sauce, proved an ideal counterbalance. — John Kessler, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Verb

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

Gaines assured weepy parents that those feelings are counterbalanced by watching your children thrive. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 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