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
coun·ter·bal·ance
ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈba-lən(t)s
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
Nila Do Simon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Delhi seeks to engage whoever is in power in Afghanistan as a counterbalance to Pakistan.
—Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
While Simmons and Frehley were known for their complex and often fraught relationship, Frehley’s unpredictable nature and distinctive laugh counterbalanced Simmons more somber, business-minded demeanor.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterbalance
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Noun
Topped with a fluffy meringue that’s as high as a skyscraper, the filling’s sharp tartness is a nice counterbalance to the rich, carb-heavy foods typically found on the holiday table.
—Nila Do Simon, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
Delhi seeks to engage whoever is in power in Afghanistan as a counterbalance to Pakistan.
—Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
In response, our governor is asking us to counterbalance this attempt to rig the midterm elections in 2026.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025
While Simmons and Frehley were known for their complex and often fraught relationship, Frehley’s unpredictable nature and distinctive laugh counterbalanced Simmons more somber, business-minded demeanor.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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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